Fluid Systems That Include a Co-flow Jet

ABSTRACT

Fluid systems are described herein. An example embodiment of a fluid system has a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, and a plurality of ducts. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. Each duct of the plurality of ducts is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional ApplicationNo. 16/135,120, filed Sep. 19, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/579,429, filed Oct. 31, 2017, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/646,960, filed Mar. 23, 2018, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/649,703, filed Mar. 29, 2018, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/687,835, filed Jun. 21, 2018. The entiredisclosure of each of these related applications is hereby incorporatedinto this disclosure by reference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid systems. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to fluid systems that include aco-flow jet.

BACKGROUND

Transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, have traditionally made useOf propellers or jet engine propulsion systems to generate thrust andwings to generate lift to support the weight of the aircraft. Generally,the propulsion and lift-generating systems have been addressed asseparate systems. Some airfoil systems have been developed that combinethese systems by utilizing a conduit that is in communication withoutlet and inlet openings defined on the wing of the aircraft. However,these systems do not provide alternatives for altering the fluid flowthrough the conduit to achieve greater propulsion and/or lift.

Therefore, a need exists for new and useful fluid systems.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various fluid systems are described herein.

An example fluid system includes a first body portion, a second bodyportion, a fluid pressurizer, and a duct. The first body portion has aleading edge, a trailing edge, a first intermediate edge, a secondintermediate edge, and a main body that defines a recess, a recess base,and a first opening. The first intermediate edge is disposed between theleading edge and the second intermediate edge. The second intermediateedge is disposed between the first intermediate edge and the trailingedge. The recess extends into the main body of the first body portionfrom the first opening to the recess base. The first opening extendsfrom the first intermediate edge to the second intermediate edge. Thesecond body portion is disposed within the recess defined by the mainbody of the first body portion. The first body portion and the secondbody portion cooperatively define an injection opening, a suctionopening, and a channel that extends from the injection opening to thesuction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channelcooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second bodyportion and has a port. The duct is attached to the port of the fluidpressurizer and is disposed within the channel. The duct has a firstend, a second end, a first portion, a second portion, and a main bodythat defines a first duct opening at the first end, a second ductopening at the second end, and a passageway that extends from the firstduct opening to the second duct opening. The first portion extends fromthe first end toward the second end. The second portion extends from thesecond end toward the first end. The first portion is disposed at anangle relative to the second portion. The angle is less than about 130degrees.

Additional understanding of the exemplary fluid systems can be obtainedby review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first example fluid system subjected to afluid flow field.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the fluid systemillustrated in FIG. 1 taken along a plane that is orthogonal to thelengthwise axis of the fluid system.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a first body portion, aplurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, and aplurality of ducts included in the fluid system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a duct included in the fluid systemillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 4 subjectedto a fluid flow field.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example duct that can beincluded in a fluid system.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 8subjected to a fluid flow field.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A is a top view of another example duct that can be included in afluid system.

FIG. 13B is a side view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another example duct that can beincluded in a fluid system.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 14subjected to a fluid flow field.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a secondexample fluid system taken along a plane that is orthogonal to thelengthwise axis of the fluid system.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a third example fluid system takenalong a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the fluidsystem.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a first example aircraft that includes a fluidsystem. The landing gear is illustrated in a first configuration.

FIG. 19 is another side view of the aircraft illustrated in FIG. 18. Thelanding gear is illustrated in a second configuration.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a fourth example fluid system.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the fluid system illustrated in FIG. 20subjected to a fluid flow field.

FIG. 22 is another side view of the fluid system illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth example fluid system takenalong a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the fluidsystem.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid systemillustrated in FIG. 23 included on an example aircraft during takeoff.The landing gear is illustrated in a first configuration.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sixth example fluidsystem taken along a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis ofthe fluid system. The fluid system is included on an example aircraftduring takeoff and the landing gear is illustrated in a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the fluid system illustrated in FIG. 25included on another example aircraft during takeoff. The landing gear isillustrated in a second configuration.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the fluid system and aircraft illustrated inFIG. 26 during cruise flight. The landing gear is illustrated in asecond configuration.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh example fluid systemtaken along a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of thefluid system.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another example aircraft that includesan eighth example fluid system.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the aircraft illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the aircraft illustrated in FIG. 29 duringtakeoff.

FIG. 32 is a side view of a wing of the aircraft illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a partially broken away perspective view of another exampleaircraft that includes a ninth example fluid system.

FIG. 34 is a partially broken away top view of the aircraft illustratedin FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the aircraft illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the aircraft illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is a side view of a tenth example fluid system included on thewing of an aircraft subjected to a fluid flow field.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an eleventh example fluid systemtaken along a plane that is passes through the lengthwise axis of thefluid system.

FIG. 39 is another cross-sectional view of the fluid system illustratedin FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a top view of another example aircraft that includes anexample fluid system.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a wing of the aircraft illustratedin FIG. 40 taken along line 41-41 shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a wing of an aircraft that includesa twelfth example fluid system. The valves and the flap are in a firstconfiguration.

FIG. 43 is another cross-sectional view of the wing and the examplefluid system illustrated in FIG. 42. The valves and the flap are in asecond configuration.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a wing of an aircraft that includesa thirteenth example fluid system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate various example embodiments of fluid systems. Thedescription and illustration of these examples are provided to enableone skilled in the art to make and use a fluid system. They are notintended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

As used herein, the phrase “chord length” refers to the length extendingfrom the leading edge of an element to the trailing edge of the element.The phrase “chord length” does not limit the structural configuration ofthe element and can be used to describe the length of any element.

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 illustrate a first example fluid system10. The fluid system 10 has a lengthwise axis 11, a first body portion12, a chord length 13, a second body portion 14, a plurality of supports16, a plurality of fluid pressurizers 18, and a plurality of ducts 20.In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system 10 is included on theairfoil 22 of a wing 24 of an aircraft. The lengthwise axis 11 isconsidered an axis that extends along the span of the wing 24.

The first body portion 12, the second body portion 14, and the pluralityof supports 16 can have any suitable structural configuration andselection of a suitable structural configuration can be based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of a fluid system. Examplesof suitable structural configurations for a first body portion, a secondbody portion, a plurality of supports, and other elements, features,and/or components that can be included in a fluid system describedherein include those illustrated and described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/426,084 by Zha and filed on Feb. 7, 2017, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and/or U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/255,523 by Zha and filed on Sep. 2, 2016, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 12 has a leadingedge 38, a trailing edge 40, a first intermediate edge 42, a secondintermediate edge 44, a front surface 46, a rear surface 48, a bottomsurface 50, and a main body 52 that defines a recess 54, an innersurface 56, and a first opening 58. The chord length 13 extends from theleading edge 38 to the trailing edge 40 along a hypothetical plane. Theleading edge 38 is the portion of the first body portion 12 the front ofthe first body portion 12) that interacts with fluid first when thefluid system 10 is traveling through a fluid in a forward direction(e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow 39). The trailing edge 40 isthe portion of the first body portion 12 (e.g., the rear of the firstbody portion 12) that interacts with fluid last when the fluid system 10is traveling through a fluid in a forward direction (e.g., in thedirection indicated by arrow 39).

The first intermediate edge 42 is disposed between the leading edge 38and the trailing edge 40 and the second intermediate edge 44 is disposedbetween the first intermediate edge 42 and the trailing edge 40. Thefirst intermediate edge 42 and the second intermediate edge 44 definethe first opening 58. The front surface 46 extends from the leading edge38 toward the trailing edge 40 to the first intermediate edge 42 andcurves away from the chord length 13. The rear surface 48 extends fromthe second intermediate edge 44 away from the leading edge 38 to thetrailing edge 40 and curves toward the chord length 13. The bottomsurface 50 extends from the leading edge 38 to the trailing edge 40 andextends toward the chord length 13 along a first portion of the bottomsurface 50 and away from the chord length 13 along a second portion ofthe bottom surface 50, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternative embodiments,however, can include a front surface, a rear surface, and a bottomsurface that has any suitable structural configuration.

The recess 54 extends into the main body 52 between the leading edge 38and the trailing edge 40 (e.g., between the front surface 46 and therear surface 48), from the first opening 58, and toward the bottomsurface 50 to a recess base 59. The recess 54 is sized and configured toreceive the second body portion 14 (a portion of the second body portion14, the entirety of the second body portion 14), each pressurizer of theplurality of fluid pressurizers 18, and each duct of the plurality ofducts 20, as described in more detail herein. The recess 54 has a firstwidth between the first intermediate edge 42 and the second intermediateedge 44 and a second width between the first opening 58 and the recessbase 59. The first width is measured along a first hypothetical linethat extends from the first intermediate edge 42 to the secondintermediate edge 44 and on a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwiseaxis 11. The second width is measured along a second hypothetical linethat is different than, and disposed parallel to, the first hypotheticalline and extends across the recess 54. The second width is greater thanthe first width. However, alternative embodiments can include a recessthat has any suitable first width and/or second width, such as thosethat are equal, or different from one another (e.g., second width isless than a first width).

The second body portion 14 is disposed within the recess 54 defined bythe first body portion 12 and has a main body 78, a front edge 80, arear edge 82, a top surface 84, and a bottom surface 86. While We firstbody portion 12 and second body portion 14 have been illustrated ashaving a particular structural arrangement (e.g., defining the wing ofan aircraft) and as being separate structures attached to one another, afirst body portion and second body portion can have any suitablestructural arrangement and be attached to one another using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a first body portion and/or second body portion and of asuitable technique or method of attachment can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired fluid flow through a channelcooperatively defined by a first body portion and second body portion.Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitablebetween a first body portion and a second body portion include welding,fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forming a firstbody portion and a second body portion as an integrated component suchthat the first body portion and the second body portion are formed as asingle body portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bodyportion 12 is attached to the second body portion 14 by welding thesupports 16 to each of the first body portion 12 and the second bodyportion 14, as described in more detail herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 12 and the secondbody portion 14 cooperatively define an injection opening 102, a suctionopening 104, and a channel 106. The first intermediate edge 42 and thesecond body portion 14 cooperatively define the injection opening 102.The second intermediate edge 44 and the second body portion 14cooperatively define the suction opening 104. The injection opening 102is disposed between the leading edge 38 and the suction opening 104 andthe suction opening 104 is disposed between the injection opening 102and the trailing edge 40 such that the injection opening 102 is disposedupstream from the suction opening 104 when the fluid system 10 istraveling in a forward direction, shown by arrow 39. The channel 106extends from the injection opening 102 to the suction opening 104 suchthat the injection opening 102 is in communication with the suctionopening 104. During movement of the fluid system 10 in a forwarddirection, as shown by arrow 39, fluid exterior to the fluid system 10flows into the channel 106 from the suction opening 104, through thechannel 106, and exits at the injection opening 102.

While the channel 106 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural configuration and a depth that varies along the length of thechannel 106, a channel can have any suitable structural configurationand selection of a suitable structural configuration for a channel canbe based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowthrough the channel. For example, the depth of a channel can be constantalong a portion, or the entirety, of its length or vary along a portion,or the entirety, of its length. Examples of cross-sectionalconfigurations considered suitable for a channel include circularcross-sectional configurations, rectangular cross-sectionalconfigurations, oval cross-sectional configurations, hexagonalcross-sectional configurations, multi-faceted cross-sectionalconfigurations, and any other cross-sectional configuration consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

While the injection opening 102 and the suction opening 104 have beenillustrated as being disposed at particular angles relative to the chordlength 13, as having particular lengths, and as being disposed atparticular distances from the leading edge 38, an injection opening anda suction opening included in a fluid system can be disposed at anysuitable angle relative to the chord length, can have any suitablelength, and can be disposed at any suitable distance from the leadingedge of a first body portion. Selection of a suitable angle to positionan injection opening and/or suction opening relative to the chordlength, a suitable length for an injection opening and/or suctionopening, and/or a suitable distance to position an injection openingand/or suction opening from the leading edge of a first body portion canbe based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowacross, or through, a fluid system. Examples of angles consideredsuitable to disposed an injection opening and/or a suction openinginclude angles that are tangential to an upper surface, or top surface,of the structure on which a fluid system is disposed (e.g., airfoil),and any other angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Each support of the plurality of supports 16 is disposed between thefirst body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 and has a first end112 attached to the second body portion 14 and a second end 114 attachedto the first body portion 12. Each support of the plurality of supports16 can be attached to the first body portion 12 and the second bodyportion 14 using any suitable technique or method of attachment.Selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between asupport and a first body portion and/or second body portion can be basedon various considerations, including the material(s) that forms thesupport, the first body portion, and/or the second body portion.Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitablebetween a support and a body portion include welding, fusing, usingadhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forming the first body portion,second body portion, and each support as an integrated component. In theillustrated embodiment, each support of the plurality of supports 16 iswelded to both the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14.

While each support of the plurality of supports 16 has been illustratedas disposed at a particular location between the first body portion 12and the second body portion 14, a support can be disposed at anysuitable location between the first body portion and the second bodyportion of a fluid system and/or within the channel of a fluid system.Selection of a suitable position for a support can be based on variousconsiderations, including the structural configuration between the firstbody portion and the second body portion. While each support of theplurality of supports 16 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural configuration, a support can have any suitable structuralconfiguration and selection of a suitable structural configuration for asupport can be based on various considerations, including the desiredvelocity at which fluid is intended to flow through a channel. Forexample, a support can be formed such that it is cylindrical, cuboidal,such that it defines an airfoil oriented toward the first body portion,second body portion, leading edge, and/or trailing edge, or such that itforms a portion of a wall that defines a channel.

While the fluid system 10 has been illustrated as including a pluralityof supports 16, a fluid system can include any suitable number ofsupports and selection of a suitable number of supports to include in afluid system can be based on various considerations, including thedesired velocity at which fluid is intended to flow through a channeldefined through the fluid system. Examples of numbers of supportsconsidered suitable to include in a fluid system include zero, one, atleast one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, and any other numberconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example,alternative to including a support, or a plurality of supports, a fluidsystem can include a second body portion that is directly attached to afirst body portion.

A fluid pressurizer included in a fluid system can comprise any suitabledevice, system, or component capable of pressurizing fluid and selectionof a suitable fluid pressurizer can be based on various considerations,such as the structural arrangement of a channel cooperatively defined bya first body portion and second body portion. Examples of fluidpressurizers considered suitable to include in a fluid system includeelectric pumps, pneumatic pumps, hydraulic pumps, micro-pumps, fans,compressors, micro-compressors, vacuums, blowers, and any other fluidpressurizer considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluidpressurizers 18 is a micro-compressor.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 18 is disposed (e.g., entirely) within the channel106 and is in communication with a suction duct 130 and an injectionduct 132, as described in more detail herein. Each fluid pressurizer 18is moveable between an off state and an on state and comprises a pump120, and a plurality of ports 122. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of ports 122 includes a suction port 124 and a discharge port126. It is considered advantageous to include a plurality of fluidpressurizers 18 at least because the inclusion of a plurality of fluidpressurizers provides a mechanism for pressurizing fluid passing throughthe plurality of ducts 20 and forming one or more jets 192 as the fluidexits the injection opening 102. Each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers can be operatively connected to any suitableportion of the device, system, or component on which the fluid system isdisposed to provide power to the fluid pressurizer (e.g., battery,electric motor) and to provide a mechanism for moving the fluidpressurizer between the off state and the on state (e.g., one or moreswitches). Alternative embodiments can include a fluid pressurizer thatcan vary the degree to which fluid is pressurized through the ducts towhich the fluid pressurizer is attached.

Each fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18 isattached to both the first body portion 12 and the second body portion14 and is positioned such that the suction port 124 is directed toward afirst portion of the channel 106 that extends from the suction opening104 to the fluid pressurizer (e.g., the suction port 124 is directedtoward the suction opening 104) and the discharge port 126 is directedtoward a second portion of the channel 106 that extends from theinjection opening 102 to the fluid pressurizer (e.g., the discharge port126 is directed toward the injection opening 102). In the off state,each fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18 doesnot draw any fluid through the ducts. In the on state, each fluidpressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18 draws fluidthrough the suction opening 104 and a suction duct 130, through thefluid pressurizer, and pushes fluid out of an injection duct 132 and theinjection opening 102.

A fluid pressurizer can be attached to a first body portion and/orsecond body portion using any suitable technique or method of attachmentand selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between afluid pressurizer and a first body portion and/or second body portioncan be based on various considerations, including the material(s) thatforms the fluid pressurizer, the first body portion, and/or the secondbody portion. Examples of techniques and methods of attachmentconsidered suitable include welding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanicalconnectors, and any other technique or method considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, each fluidpressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18 is fastened to thefirst body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 using mechanicalconnectors (e.g., screws, bolts). Alternative embodiments, however, caninclude one or more fluid pressurizers that are only attached to a firstbody portion or a second body portion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of ducts 20 includes a setof suction ducts 130 and a set of injection ducts 132. Each duct of theplurality of ducts 20 is attached to a port of the fluid pressurizer 18,is entirely disposed within the channel 106, and, as best shown in FIGS.4, 5, and 6, has a first end 134, a second end 136, a first portion 138,a second portion 140, and a main body 142 that defines a first opening144 at the first end 134, a second opening 146 at the second end 136, apassageway 148 that extends from the first opening 144 to the secondopening 146, and a curve 150 between the first end 134 and the secondend 136. Each of the suction ducts 130 is attached to the suction port124 of a fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18 andextends from the fluid pressurizer toward the suction opening 104. Eachof the injection ducts 132 is attached to the discharge port 126 of afluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18 and extendsfrom the fluid pressurizer toward the injection opening 102. The firstportion 138 extends from the first end 134 toward the second end 136 andthe second portion 140 extends from the second end 136 toward the firstend 134. The first portion 138 is disposed at an angle 131 relative tothe second portion 140 that is less than 90 degrees. However, otherangles can be utilized, such as angles that are between about 80 degreesand about 100 degrees, between about 70 degrees and about 110 degrees,between about 45 degrees and about 80 degrees, between about 60 degreesand about 120 degrees, between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees,angles less than about 130 degrees, angles less than about 120 degrees,angles less than about 110 degrees, angles less than about 100 degrees,angles greater than, equal to, or about 130 degrees, and any other angleconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Each duct of the plurality of ducts 20 is attached to both the firstbody portion 12 and the second body portion 14. A duct can be attachedto a first body portion and/or second body portion using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment and selection of a suitable techniqueor method of attachment between a duct and a first body portion and/orsecond body portion can be based on various considerations, includingthe material(s) that forms duct, the first body portion, and/or thesecond body portion. Examples of techniques and methods of attachmentconsidered suitable include welding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanicalconnectors, and any other technique or method considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, each duct of theplurality of ducts 20 is fastened to the first body portion 12 and thesecond body portion 14 using mechanical connectors (e.g., screws,bolts). Alternative embodiments, however, can include one or more ductsthat are only attached to a first body portion or a second body portion.

The first opening 144 has a first opening length 133, a first openingheight 135, and a first opening cross-sectional area and the secondopening 146 has a second opening length 137, a second opening height139, and a second opening cross-sectional area that is less than thefirst opening cross-sectional area. The first opening length 133 isequal to the first opening height 135, less than the second openinglength 137, and greater than the second opening height 139. The secondopening height 139 is less than the second opening length 137, less thanthe first opening length 133, and less than the first opening height135. The second opening height 139 is equal to between about 0.01% andabout 100% of the first opening height 135. The second opening length137 is equal to between about 10% of the first opening length 133 andabout 10 times the first opening length 133. The term “about” allowingfor a 10% variation in listed value. Alternative embodiments, however,can include a second opening that has a second opening height that isabout 2% of a first opening height, about 10% of a first opening height,between about 2% and about 10% of a first opening height, between about2% and about 50% of a first opening height, a second opening length thatis about 10% of a first opening length, between about 50% and about 5times a first opening length, between about 100% and about 2 times afirst opening length, and any other height and/or length consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. The second opening cross-sectionalarea can be equal to any suitable value, such as equal to between about10% and about 100% of the first opening cross-sectional area, betweenabout 0.01% and about 10% of the first opening cross-sectional area,between about 0.01% and 200% of the first opening cross-sectional area,and any other suitable value. In the illustrated embodiment, the lengthof the passageway 148 increases from the first end 124 to the second end126 and the height of the passageway 148 decreases from the first end124 to the second end 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstopening 144 is centered relative to the second opening 146 such that thecenter of the first opening 144 is disposed on a plane 155 that extendsthrough the entire passageway 148 and contains the center of the secondopening 146. Alternative embodiments, however, can include a firstopening that is offset relative to the center of a second opening suchthat the center of the first opening is disposed on a first plane thatextends through the passageway and is disposed parallel to a secondplane that contains the center of the second opening and extends throughthe passageway.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first opening 134 has a firststructural configuration and the second opening 136 has a secondstructural configuration that is different than the first structuralconfiguration. As shown best in FIG. 4, the first opening 134 iscircular and the second opening 136 is rectangular such that thecross-sectional configuration of the passageway 148 transitions from thefirst end 134 to the second end 136. While the first opening 134 hasbeen illustrated as being circular and the second opening 136 has beenillustrated as being rectangular, a first opening and a second openingof a duct can have any suitable structural configuration relative to oneanother. Selection of a suitable structural configuration for a firstopening and a second opening of a duct can be based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of the fluid system. Examplesof structural configurations considered suitable for a first openingand/or a second opening of a duct include those that are the same, thosethat are different from one another, rectangular, square, circular,oval, elliptical, and/or any other structural arrangement consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, each duct in the set of suction ducts 130 has alength 141 that extends from the first end 134 to the curve 150 and thatis greater than the length 143 of each duct in the set of injectionducts 132 that extends from the first end 134 to the curve 150. Eachduct in the set of suction ducts 130 is configured to allow a fluid topass through the passageway 148 from the second opening 146 to the firstopening 144 such that the fluid enters the passageway 148 at the secondend 136 at an angle 145, as shown in FIG. 2, that is directed toward aplane 147 that extends through the first opening 144 and a portion ofthe passageway 148 that extends from the first opening 144 toward thesecond opening 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction ducts 130are sized and configured to prevent fluid from traveling through channel106 (e.g., such that fluid can only pass through suction ducts 130 tothe fluid pressurizers). Each duct in the set of injection ducts 132 hasa lengthwise axis 149 that extends through the first opening 144 and thefirst portion 138. Each duct in the set of injection ducts 132 isconfigured to allow a fluid to pass through the passageway 148 from thefirst opening 144 to the second opening 146 such that the fluid exitsthe passageway 148 at the second end 146 at an angle 151, as shown inFIG. 2, that is directed toward a plane 153 that is orthogonal to thelengthwise axis 149 and away from the second end 136 and the leadingedge 38.

While the plurality of ducts 20 has been illustrated as separate membersattached to the first and second body portions 12, 14, a duct can beattached to a first body portion and/or second body portion using anysuitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitabletechnique or method of attachment between a duct and a first bodyportion and/or a second body portion can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the desired fluid flow through a duct. Examplesof techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable between aduct and a first body portion and/or a second body portion includewelding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forminga duct as an integrated component of a first body portion and/or asecond body portion. In the illustrated embodiment, each duct of theplurality of ducts 20 is attached to the first body portion 12 and thesecond body portion 14 by welding the ducts to each of the first bodyportion 12 and the second body portion 14.

While the fluid system 10 has been illustrated as including a pluralityof fluid pressurizers 18 having a particular structural arrangement anda plurality of ducts 20 having a particular structural arrangement, afluid system can include any suitable number of fluid pressurizers andducts having any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of asuitable number of fluid pressurizers and/or ducts to include in a fluidsystem can be based on various considerations, including the intendeduse of the fluid system. Examples of numbers of fluid pressurizersconsidered suitable to include in a fluid system include zero, one, atleast one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, morethan ten, and any other number considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Examples of numbers of ducts considered suitable to includein a fluid system include zero, one, at least one, two, a plurality,three, four, five, more than five, more than ten, one for each fluidpressurizer, two for each fluid pressurizer, a suction duct and aninjection duct for one or more fluid pressurizers, or each fluidpressurizer, and any other number considered suitable for a particularembodiment. For example, a fluid system can include one or moreinjection ducts and omit the inclusion of any suctions ducts, or viceversa, or the type of duct included in the fluid system could alternatealong the length of the fluid system. With respect to the structuralarrangement of a duct, alternative embodiments can include a duct thatdefines a bend, or another feature, to position a first portion of aduct at an angle relative to a second portion of a duct. While the fluidsystem 10 has been illustrated as including a plurality of ducts 20 thatare entirely disposed within the channel 106, a fluid system can includeany suitable number of ducts having any suitable portion disposed withina channel. Selection of a suitable position to locate a duct can bebased on various considerations, including the desired fluid flowthrough a fluid system. Examples of suitable positions to locate a ductinclude those in which the entire duct is positioned within a channel, aportion of a duct is positioned within a channel (e.g., the second endis disposed in an environment exterior to a channel), and any otherposition considered suitable for a particular embodiment. While eachduct of the plurality of ducts 20 has been illustrated as being includedin fluid system 10, a duct, as described herein, can be included in anysuitable system, or provided separately, and used for any suitablepurpose.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid flow 190 interacts with the fluidsystem 10 such that the fluid, which in this example is air, travelsaround, and through, the fluid system 10. The fluid travels into thesuction opening 104, through the set of suction ducts 130, ispressurized by the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18, travels throughthe set of injection ducts 132, exits at the injection opening 102, andis injected into the fluid flow as a plurality of jets 192 over the topsurface 84 of the second body portion 14. Depending on the number ofducts, fluid pressurizers, and/or channels included in a fluid system,alternative embodiments can form a single jet over the top surface ofthe second body portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality ofjets 192 of fluid is substantially tangential to the top surface 84 ofthe second body portion 14 downstream of the injection opening 102. Theone or more jets 192 are co-flow jets in that they form a stream offluid that is injected into a separate fluid, or fluid flow. However,alternative embodiments can include one or more jets that are nottangential to the top surface of a second body portion.

The first body portion 12, the second body portion 14, the plurality ofsupports 16, the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18, the plurality ofducts 20, and any other feature, element, or component described hereinand included in the fluid system 10 can be formed of any suitablematerial and manufactured using any suitable technique. Selection of asuitable material to form a first body portion, a second body portion, aplurality of fluid pressurizers, a plurality of ducts, and any otherfeature, element, or component described herein and included in a fluidsystem and a suitable technique to manufacture a first body portion, asecond body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluidpressurizers, a plurality of ducts, and any other feature, element, orcomponent described herein and included in a fluid system can be basedon various considerations, including the intended use of the fluidsystem. Examples of materials considered suitable to form a first bodyportion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, a plurality offluid pressurizers, a plurality of ducts, and/or any other feature,element, or component described herein include conventional materials,metals, steel, aluminum, alloys, plastics, combinations of metals andplastics, composite materials, and any other material consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of methods of manufactureconsidered suitable to manufacture a first body portion, a second bodyportion, a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, aplurality of ducts, and/or any other feature, element, or componentdescribed herein include convention methods and techniques, injectionmolding, machining, 3D printing, and/or any other method or techniqueconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a firstbody portion and second body portion of a fluid system can be formed ofa first material and each duct included in the fluid system can beformed of a second material that is different than the first material.

While the first body portion 12, the second body portion 14, theplurality of supports 16, the plurality of fluid pressurizers 18, andthe plurality of ducts 20, and any other feature, element, or componentdescribed herein and included in the fluid system 10 has beenillustrated as having a particular structural configuration, a firstbody portion, a second body portion, a plurality of supports, aplurality of fluid pressurizers, a plurality of ducts, and any otherfeature, element, or component described herein and included in a fluidsystem can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of asuitable structural arrangement for a first body portion, a second bodyportion, a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, aplurality of ducts, and any other feature, element, or componentdescribed herein and included in a fluid system can be based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of the fluid system.

The embodiments described herein are considered advantageous for use inany type of system, device, or component used to accomplish flight,including subsonic (e.g., less than about Mach 0.7), transonic flights(e.g., between about Mach 0.6 and about 0.95), and/or supersonic flights(e.g., greater than Mach 1.0). When included on aircraft that will becompleting transonic flights, or on aircrafts in which a shock wave maybe created on the upper surface of the airfoil, an injection openingand/or suction opening can be disposed between a leading edge and atrailing edge, upstream or downstream from where a shock wave may becreated, or between the trailing edge and where the shock wave may becreated.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 illustrate another example duct 220 that canbe included in a fluid system, such as the fluid systems describedherein. The duct 220 (e.g., injection duct, suction duct) is similar tothe duct 20 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and describedabove, except as detailed below. The duct 220 has a first end 234, asecond end 236, a first portion 238, a second portion 240, and a mainbody 242 that defines a first opening 244 at the first end 234, a secondopening 246 at the second end 236, a passageway 248 that extends fromthe first opening 244 to the second opening 246, and a curve 250 betweenthe first end 234 and the second end 236.

In the illustrated embodiment, the duct includes a center body 252attached to the inner surface of the main body 242 of the duct 220within the passageway 248. The center body 252 has a first end 254, asecond end 256, and a main body 258 and is centered within the firstopening 244 of the duct 220 (e.g., an axis that extends through thecenter of the first end 254 and the second end 256 of the center body252 is coaxial with an axis that extends through the center of the firstend 234, or first opening 244, of the duct 220). The center body 252 isa solid member and is attached to the inner surface of the main body 242of the duct 220 by two supports 266 that are each attached at one end tothe center body 252 and at the other end to the inner surface of themain body 242 of the duct 220. Optionally, a center body can define apassageway that extends from an opening on the first end of the centerbody to a second opening defined on the second end of the center body.If included, a passageway allows a portion of fluid to travel throughthe center body during use of a duct. A center body included in a ductcan have any suitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitablestructural arrangement can be based on various considerations, includingthe desired fluid flow through a duct. In the illustrated embodiment,the center body 252 has a duck-billed configuration such that a firstend portion that extends from the first end 254 toward the second end256 is cylindrical and a second end portion that extends from the secondend 256 toward the first end 254 is trapezoidal prism. It is consideredadvantageous to include a center body, such as center body 252, tocreate unique flow paths through a duct and avoid, or minimize, flowseparation.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another example duct 220′ that can beincluded in a fluid system, such as the fluid systems described herein.The duct 220′ is similar to the duct 220 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 10,11, and 12 and described above, except as detailed below. The duct 220′has a first end 234′, a second end 236′, a first portion 238′, a secondportion 240′, and a main body 242′ that defines a first opening 244′ atthe first end 234′, a second opening 246′ at the second end 236′, apassageway 248′ that extends from the first opening 244′ to the secondopening 246′, a curve 250′ between the first end 234′ and the second end236′, and has a center body 252′.

In the illustrated embodiment, the duct 220′ includes a plurality ofvanes 260′ disposed within the passageway 248′ and each vane is sizedand configured to direct fluid flow through the passageway 248′. Eachvane of the plurality of vanes 260′ has a first end 262′ directed towardthe first end 234′ (e.g., fluid flow when the duct 220′ is an injectionduct), a second end 264′ directed toward a side of the duct 220′, exceptthe center vane, and is attached to the main body 242′ using anysuitable technique or method of attachment, such as those describedherein. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of vanes 260′direct fluid flow through the passageway 248′ that travels from thefirst end 234′ to the second end 236′ such that the fluid is directedtoward a side of the duct 220′ at the second end 264′ of each vane 260′,except for the center vane which is centered on the lengthwise axis ofthe duct 220′. The center vane, however, can be omitted, or have anorientation that is directed toward a side of a duct, depending ondesired fluid flow characteristics. It is considered advantageous toinclude a plurality of vanes 260′ at least because the vanes provide amechanism for producing a more uniform fluid flow out of the secondopening 246′. While a plurality of vanes 260′ have been illustrated, anysuitable number of vanes can be included in a duct, such as one, atleast one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,ten, more than ten, between one vane and twenty vanes, twenty vanes,more than twenty vanes, and any other number considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. While some of the vanes have been illustrated asdefining a curve, an embodiment can include vanes such that each vane,or most vanes, defines a curve directing flow toward a side of a ductand/or such that each vane, or most vanes, are planer or twisted in thevertical direction such that they meet the flow at a favorable angle ofattack, avoid flow separation, and are attached to a main body of a ductat an angle. A vane, or a plurality of vanes, can be included on anysuitable duct, such as those described herein.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate another example duct 320 that can be includedin a fluid system, such as the fluid systems described herein. The duct320 is similar to the duct 20 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12and described above, except as detailed below. The duct 320 has a firstend 334, a second end 336, and a main body 342 that defines a firstopening 344 at the first end 334, a second opening 346 at the second end336, a passageway 348 that extends from the first opening 344 to thesecond opening 346, a curve 350 between the first end 334 and the secondend 336, and a center body 352.

In the illustrated embodiment, the center body 352 is attached to theinner surface of the main body 342 of the duct 320. The center body 352has a first end 354, a second end 356, and a main body 358 and iscentered within the first opening 344 of the duct 320 (e.g., an axisthat extends through the center of the first end 354 and the second end356 of the center body 352 is coaxial with an axis that extends throughthe center of the first end 334 of the duct 320). The center body 352 isattached to the inner surface of the main body 342 of the duct 320 bytwo supports 366 that are each attached at one end to the center body352 and at the other end to the inner surface of the main body 342 ofthe duct 320. A center body included in a duct can have any suitablestructural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement can be based on various considerations, including thedesired fluid flow through a duct. In the illustrated embodiment, thecenter body 352 has a tapered funnel configuration such that a first endportion that extends from the first end 354 toward the second end 356 iscylindrical and a second end portion that extends from the second end356 toward the first end 354 diverges and increases to the outerdiameter of the first end portion. It is considered advantageous toinclude a center body, such as center body 352, to create unique flowpaths through a duct and avoid, or minimize, flow separation.

While the center bodies 252, 252′, and 352 have been illustrated asbeing centered within a first opening of a duct, a center body can bedisposed at any suitable position within a first opening of a duct.Selection of a suitable position to locate a center body within a firstopening of a duct can be based on various considerations, including thedesired fluid flow around the center body. For example, a center bodycan be positioned within a first opening of a duct such that an axisthat extends through the center of the first end and the second end ofthe center body is not coaxial with an axis that extends through thecenter of the first end of the duct (e.g., the center body is offsetrelative to the center of the first opening of the duct).

FIG. 16 illustrates a second example fluid system 410. The fluid system410 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, and 7 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluidsystem 410 has a lengthwise axis 411, a first body portion 412, a chordlength, a second body portion 414, a plurality of supports, a pluralityof fluid pressurizers 418, and a plurality of ducts 420. In theillustrated embodiment, the fluid system 410 is included on the airfoil422 of a wing 424 of an aircraft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 412 and the secondbody portion 414 cooperatively define a suction chamber 415 and aninjection chamber 417. Each of the suction chamber 415 and the injectionchamber 417 extends along the length of the first body portion 412 andthe second body portion 414 and have depths that are greater than afirst depth 508 of the channel 506 and a second depth 510 of the channel506. Each suction duct 530 extends from a fluid pressurizer 418 to thesuction chamber 415 and each injection duct 532 extends from a fluidpressurizer 418 to the injection chamber 417. Each duct of the pluralityof ducts 420 omits a curve (e.g., curve 150) and tapers from the firstend 534 to the second end 536. The inclusion of a suction chamber 415and an injection chamber 417 is considered advantageous at least becauseit provides a mechanism for multiple fluid pressurizers to be incommunication with the same chamber such that an increase in mass flowrate can be achieved relative to embodiments that do not include asuction chamber and/or injection chamber.

While fluid system 410 has been illustrated as including a singlesuction chamber and a single injection chamber, a fluid system caninclude more than one suction chamber and/or injection chamber.Selection of a suitable number of suction chambers and/or injectionchambers to include in a fluid system can be based on variousconsiderations, including the desired fluid flow through a fluid system.Examples of numbers of suction chambers and/or injection chambersconsidered suitable to include in a fluid system include zero, one, atleast one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, morethan ten, and any other number considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Alternative embodiments could omit one or more suctionchambers and include one or more injection chambers, or vice versa.

FIG. 17 illustrates a third example fluid system 610. The fluid system610 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, and 7 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluidsystem 610 has a lengthwise axis, a first body portion 612, a chordlength, a second body portion 614, a third body portion 615, a pluralityof supports 616, a plurality of fluid pressurizers 618, a first valve784, and a second valve 786.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 612 has a leadingedge 638, a trailing edge 640, a first intermediate edge 642, a secondintermediate edge 644, a third intermediate edge 760, a fourthintermediate edge 762, a first front surface 646, a first rear surface648, a second front surface 764, a second rear surface 766, and a mainbody 652 that defines a passageway 654, a first opening 658, and asecond opening 768.

The first intermediate edge 642 is disposed between the leading edge 638and the trailing edge 640, the second intermediate edge 644 is disposedbetween the first intermediate edge 642 and the trailing edge 640, thethird intermediate edge 760 is disposed between the leading edge 638 andthe trailing edge 640, and the fourth intermediate edge 762 is disposedbetween the third intermediate edge 760 and the trailing edge 640. Thefirst intermediate edge 642 and the second intermediate edge 644 definethe first opening 658. The third intermediate edge 760 and the fourthintermediate edge 762 define the second opening 768. The first frontsurface 646 extends from the leading edge 638 toward the trailing edge640 to the first intermediate edge 642 and curves away from the chordlength. The first rear surface 648 extends from the second intermediateedge 644 away from the leading edge 638 to the trailing edge 640 andcurves toward the chord length. The second front surface 764 extendsfrom the leading edge 638 toward the trailing edge 640 to the thirdintermediate edge 760 and curves away from the chord length. The secondrear surface 766 extends from the fourth intermediate edge 762 away fromthe leading edge 638 to the trailing edge 640 and curves toward thechord length.

The passageway 654 extends through the main body 652 between the leadingedge 638 and the trailing edge 640, and from the first opening 658 tothe second opening 768. The passageway 654 is sized and configured toreceive the second body portion 614 (a portion of the second bodyportion 614, the entirety of the second body portion 614), the thirdbody portion 615 (a portion of the third body portion 615, the entiretyof the third body portion 615), and each pressurizer of the plurality offluid pressurizers 618, as described in more detail herein. Inalternative embodiments, one or more ducts can be disposed, entirely orpartially, within a passageway defined by a first body portion.

The second body portion 614 is disposed within the passageway 654defined by the first body portion 612 and has a main body 678, a frontedge 680, a rear edge 682, a top surface 684, and a bottom surface 686.The third body portion 615 is disposed within the passageway 654 definedby the first body portion 612 and has a main body 770, a front edge 772,a rear edge 774, a top surface 776, and a bottom surface 778.

While the first body portion 612, the second body portion 614, and thethird body portion 615 have been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement (e.g., defining the wing of an aircraft) and asbeing separate structures attached to one another, a first body portion,a second body portion, and a third body portion can have any suitablestructural arrangement and be attached to one another using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a first body portion, a second body portion, and/or athird body portion and of a suitable technique or method of attachmentcan be based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowthrough a channel cooperatively defined by a first body portion, asecond body portion, and a third body portion. Examples of techniquesand methods of attachment considered suitable between a first bodyportion, a second body portion, and/or a third body portion includewelding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors, and/or forminga first body portion, a second body portion, and a third body portion asan integrated component. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bodyportion 612 is attached to the second body portion 614 by welding thesupports 616 to each of the first body portion 612 and the second bodyportion 614, the first body portion 612 is attached to the third bodyportion 615 by welding the supports 616 to each of the first bodyportion 612 and the third body portion 615, and the second body portion614 is attached to the third body portion 615 by welding the supports616 to each of the second body portion 614 and the third body portion615. Each support of a first set of the plurality of supports 616 isdisposed between, and attached to, the first body portion 612 and thesecond body portion 614, each support of a second set of the pluralityof supports 616 is disposed between, and attached to, the first bodyportion 612 and the third body portion 615, and each support of a thirdset of the plurality of supports is disposed between, and attached to,the second body portion 614 and the third body portion 615.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 612, the secondbody portion 614, and the third body portion 616 cooperatively define afirst injection opening 702, a second injection opening 780, a firstsuction opening 704, a second suction opening 782, and a channel 706.The first intermediate edge 642 and the second body portion 614cooperatively define the first injection opening 702. The thirdintermediate edge 760 and the third body portion 615 cooperativelydefine the second injection opening 780. The second intermediate edge644 and the second body portion 614 cooperatively define the firstsuction opening 704. The fourth intermediate edge 762 and the third bodyportion 615 cooperatively define the second suction opening 782. Thefirst injection opening 702 is disposed between the leading edge 638 andthe first suction opening 704, the second injection opening 780 isdisposed between the leading edge 638 and the second suction opening782, the first suction opening 704 is disposed between the firstinjection opening 702 and the trailing edge 640, and the second suctionopening 782 is disposed between the second injection opening 780 and thetrailing edge 640 such that the injection openings 702, 780 are disposedupstream from the suction openings 704, 782 when the fluid system 610 istraveling in a forward direction, shown by arrow 639. The channel 706extends from the injection openings 702, 780 to the suction openings704, 782 such that the injection openings 702, 780 are in communicationwith the suction openings 704, 782, as described in more detail herein.In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 618 is disposed (e.g., entirely) within thechannel 706 and is in communication with the injection openings 702, 780and the suction openings 704, 782. Each fluid pressurizer of theplurality of fluid pressurizers 618 is attached to both the second bodyportion 614 and the third body portion 615 and is positioned such thatthe suction port 724 is directed toward a first portion of the channel606 that extends from the suction openings 704, 782 to the fluidpressurizer (e.g., the suction port 724 is directed toward the suctionopenings 704, 782) and the discharge port 726 is directed toward asecond portion of the channel 706 that extends from the injectionopenings 702, 780 to the fluid pressurizer (e.g., the discharge port 726is directed toward the injection openings 702, 780). In the off state,each fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 618 doesnot draw any fluid through the channel 706. In the on state, each fluidpressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 618 draws fluidthrough the suction openings 704, 782, through the channel 706, throughthe fluid pressurizer, and pushes fluid through the channel 706 and outof the injection openings 702, 780, depending on the location of thevalves 784, 786, as described in more detail herein.

A fluid pressurizer can be attached to a second body portion and/orthird body portion using any suitable technique or method of attachmentand selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between afluid pressurizer and a second body portion and/or third body portioncan be based on various considerations, including the material(s) thatforms the fluid pressurizer, the second body portion, and/or the thirdbody portion. Examples of techniques and methods of attachmentconsidered suitable include welding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanicalconnectors, and any other technique or method considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the valves 784, 786 is moveablyattached to the first body portion 612 within the channel 706 and has afirst surface 788, a second surface 790, a thickness that extends fromthe first surface 788 to the second surface 790, and a length 791. Eachof the valves 784, 786 has a first configuration, as shown in solidlines in FIG. 17, a second configuration, as shown in dashed lines inFIG. 17, a third configuration, and is moveable between theseconfigurations via actuators 792. In the first configuration, each ofthe valves 784, 786 is disposed between, and extends from, the firstbody portion 612 and the third body portion 615 (e.g., completely sealsthe channel between the first body portion 612 and the third bodyportion 615), the first surface 788 is directed toward the channel 706cooperatively defined by the first body portion 612, the second bodyportion 614, and the third body portion 615, and the second surface 790is directed toward the portion of the channel 706 cooperatively definedby the first body portion 612 and the third body portion 615. In thesecond configuration, each of the valves 784, 786 is disposed between,and extends from, the first body portion 612 and the second body portion614 (e.g., completely seals the channel between the first body portion612 and the second body portion 614), the first surface 788 is directedtoward the portion of the channel 706 cooperatively defined by the firstbody portion 612 and the second body portion 614, and the second surface790 is directed toward the channel 706 cooperatively defined by thefirst body portion 612, the second body portion 614, and the third bodyportion 615. In the third configuration, each of the valves 784, 786 isdisposed between the second body portion 614 and the third body portion615 such that it does not seal the channel between the first bodyportion 612 and the second body portion 614 or the channel between thefirst body portion 612 and the third body portion 615 and the end of thevalve is directed toward a fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluidpressurizers 618.

Each of the actuators 792 is moveable between an off state, a firststate, and a second state and comprises the various components necessaryto move a valve between a first configuration, a second configuration,and a third configuration. Each of the actuators 792 can be operativelyconnected to any suitable portion of the device, system, or component onwhich the fluid system is attached to provide power to the actuator(e.g., battery, electric motor) and to provide a mechanism for movingthe second actuator between the off state, the first state, and thesecond state (e.g., one or more switches).

In the off state, the actuators 792 position each of the valves 784, 786such that it is in the third configuration and fluid can flow througheach of the first and second injection openings 702, 780 and each of thefirst and second suction openings 704, 782. In the first state, theactuators 792 position each of the valves in the first configurationsuch that fluid can flow through each of the first injection opening 702and the first suction opening 704 but is prevented from passing througheach of the second injection opening 780 and the second suction opening782. In the second state, each of the actuators 792 positions each ofthe valves in the second configuration such that fluid can flow througheach of the second injection opening 780 and the second suction opening782 but is prevented from passing through each of the first injectionopening 702 and the first suction opening 704.

A valve and an actuator included in a fluid system can comprise anysuitable valve and actuator and selection of a suitable valve andactuator can be based on various considerations, such as the structuralarrangement of a body portion included in a fluid system on which avalve is disposed and/or the material that forms a body portion includedin a fluid system. Examples of valves considered suitable to include ina fluid system include elongate plates, butterfly valves, diaphragmvalves, any valve that is sized and configured to interact with a bodyportion to completely, or partially, seal a passageway, or channel,defined by one or more body portions, and/or any other valve consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of actuators consideredsuitable to include in a fluid system include electric motors, pneumaticactuators, hydraulic actuators, actuators that produce rotationalmovement around the lengthwise axis of an attached shaft, actuators thatproduce axial movement of a shaft along the lengthwise axis of theshaft, linear actuators, and any other actuator considered suitable fora particular embodiment.

While each of the valves 784, 786 and actuators 792 has been illustratedas having a particular structural arrangement and as being positioned ata particular location on the fluid system, a valve and an actuator canhave any suitable structural arrangement and be positioned at anysuitable location on a fluid system. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement and/or position to locate a valve and an actuator can bebased on various considerations, such as the desired flow around a fluidsystem and/or the desired flow through a channel defined through a fluidsystem. For example, alternative embodiments can include a valve and anactuator in each duct included in a fluid system to accomplish flow asdescribed with respect to FIG. 17. For example, a suction duct can beattached to one or more fluid pressurizers and extend to, or near, therear edge of the second body portion and/or the third body portionand/or an injection duct can be attached to one or more fluidpressurizers and extend to, or near, the front edge of the second bodyportion and/or the third body portion. Any of the embodiments describedherein, such as the fluid system 610, can include any suitable componentof a conventional wing of an aircraft. For example, any of theembodiments described herein, such as fluid system 610, can include aflap and/or elevator (e.g., which can be moveable relative to the firstbody portion) that provides enhanced lift to the wing during flight.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an example aircraft 802 that includes frontlanding gear 804 and rear landing gear 806. In the illustratedembodiment, each of the front landing gear 804 and the rear landing gear806 has an adjustable length such that the length of the landing gearcan be adjusted during takeoff and/or landing. It is consideredadvantageous to include adjustable landing gear such that a high angleof attack can be achieved during takeoff. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the front landing gear 804 has a length that is greater thanthe length of the rear landing gear 806 such that a high angle of attackis achieved. The aircraft 802 can include any suitable fluid system,such as those described herein, to provide additional lift when desired.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 illustrate a fourth example fluid system 910. Thefluid system 910 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and described above, except as detailed below.The fluid system 910 has a lengthwise axis 911, a first body portion912, a chord length 913, a second body portion 914, a plurality ofsupports 916, and plurality of fluid pressurizers 918.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first body portion 912 has a leadingedge 938, a first trailing edge 940, a second trailing edge 942, a topsurface 944, a bottom surface 946, and a main body 948 that defines arecess 950, an inner surface 952, and a first opening 954. The chordlength 913 extends from the leading edge 938 to the center of a planarsurface that extends from the first trailing edge 940 to the secondtrailing edge 942.

The first trailing edge 940 and the second trailing edge 942 define thefirst opening 954. The top surface 944 extends from the leading edge 938to the first trailing edge 940 and curves away from the chord length913. The bottom surface 946 extends from the leading edge 938 to thesecond trailing edge 942 and curves away from the chord length 913. Therecess 950 extends into the main body 948 between the first trailingedge 940 and the second trailing edge 942, from the first opening 954,and toward the leading edge 938 to a recess base 956. The recess 950 issized and configured to receive a portion of the second body portion 914and each pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 918, asdescribed in more detail herein.

The second body portion 914 is partially disposed within the recess 950defined by the first body portion 912 and has a front edge 958, a topedge 960, a bottom edge 962, and a trailing edge 964. In the illustratedembodiment, the first body portion 912 and the second body portion 914cooperatively define a cylinder 915 that has a length 917 that extendsfrom the leading edge 938 to the trailing edge 964. While the first bodyportion 912 and second body portion 914 have been illustrated as havinga particular structural arrangement and as being separate structuresattached to one another, a first body portion and second body portioncan have any suitable structural arrangement and be attached to oneanother using any suitable technique or method. of attachment. Selectionof a suitable structural arrangement for a first body portion and/orsecond body portion and of a suitable technique or method of attachmentcan be based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowthrough a channel cooperatively defined by a first body portion andsecond body portion. Examples of techniques and methods of attachmentconsidered suitable between a first body portion and a second bodyportion include welding, fusing, using adhesives, mechanical connectors,and/or forming a first body portion and a second body portion as anintegrated component. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bodyportion 912 is attached to the second body portion 914 by welding thesupports 916 to each of the first body portion 912 and the second bodyportion 914, as described in more detail herein. While the first andsecond body portions 912, 914 have been illustrated as cooperativelydefining a cylinder, a first body portion and a second body portion cancooperatively define any suitable structure, such as elliptical prisms,airfoils, blades, such as those included on wind turbines, and any otherstructure considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 912 and the secondbody portion 914 cooperatively define an injection opening 966, asuction opening 968, and a channel 970. The first trailing edge 940 andthe second body portion 914 cooperatively define the injection opening966. The second trailing edge 942 and the second body portion 914cooperatively define the suction opening 968. The injection opening 966is disposed between the leading edge 938 and the trailing edge 964 ofthe second body portion 914 and the suction opening 968 is disposedbetween the leading edge 938 and the trailing edge 964 of the secondbody portion 914. The injection opening 966 has an injection openinglength 967 that is measured along an axis that extends from the firsttrailing edge 940 and is tangential to the exterior surface of thesecond body portion 914 (e.g., contacts the top edge 960). The suctionopening 968 has a suction opening length 969 that is measured along anaxis that extends from the second trailing edge 942 and is tangential tothe exterior surface of the second body portion 914 (e.g., contacts thebottom edge 962). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the injectionopening length 967 and suction opening length 969 is between about0.0001% to about 30% of the length 917 of the structure cooperativelydefined by the first and second body portion 912, 914. Alternatively,each of the injection opening length 967 and suction opening length 969is between about 0.01% to about 5% of the length 917 of the structurecooperatively defined by the first and second body portion 912, 914.

The channel 970 extends from the injection opening 966 to the suctionopening 968 such that the injection opening 966 is in communication withthe suction opening 968. When a fluid pressurizer of the plurality offluid pressurizers 918, or each fluid pressurizer of the plurality offluid pressurizers 918, is in an on state, fluid exterior to the fluidsystem 910 flows into the channel 970 from the suction opening 968,through the channel 970, and exits at the injection opening 966.

While the channel 970 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural configuration and a depth that varies along the length of thechannel 970, a channel can have any suitable structural configurationand selection of a suitable structural configuration for a channel canbe based on various considerations, such as the desired fluid flowthrough the channel. Examples of cross-sectional configurationsconsidered suitable for a channel include circular cross-sectionalconfigurations, rectangular cross-sectional configurations, ovalcross-sectional configurations, hexagonal cross-sectionalconfigurations, multi-faceted cross-sectional configurations, and anyother cross-sectional configuration considered suitable for a particularembodiment. For example, a channel can have the same depth along aportion, or the entirety, of its length.

As shown in FIG. 22, the injection opening 966 is positioned at an angle971 relative to a plane that is orthogonal to the chord length 913 andthe suction opening 968 is positioned at an angle 973 relative to aplane that is orthogonal to the chord length 913 (e.g., relative to thedirection of travel). Each angle is positive when traveling in aclockwise direction relative to the plane that is orthogonal to thechord length 913 and is negative when traveling in a counterclockwisedirection relative to the plane that is orthogonal to the chord length913. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 971 is between about −90degrees and about 90 degrees (e.g., the injection opening 966 is locatedwithin the first quadrant or the second quadrant of the structurecooperatively defined by the first and second body portions 912, 914)and the angle 973 is between about 90 degrees and about 270 degrees(e.g., the suction opening 968 is located within the fourth quadrant orthe third quadrant of the structure cooperatively defined by the firstand second body portions 912, 914).

While the injection opening 966 and the suction opening 968 have beenillustrated as being disposed at particular angles relative to a planethat is orthogonal to the chord length 913 and as having particularlengths, an injection opening and a suction opening included in a fluidsystem can be disposed at any suitable angle relative to the chordlength and can have any suitable length. Selection of a suitable angleto position an injection opening and/or suction opening relative to thechord length and a suitable length for an injection opening and/orsuction opening can be based on various considerations, such as thedesired fluid flow across, or through, a fluid system. For example,alternative angles that are considered suitable include angles betweenabout 0 degrees and about 90 degrees for an injection opening, betweenabout 0 degrees and about 20 degrees for an injection opening, anglesbetween about 90 degrees and 180 degrees for a suction opening, anglesbetween about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees for a suction opening,and any other angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Examples of alternative lengths considered suitable include lengthsbetween about 0.001% and about 3.5% of a chord length, lengths equal toabout 2.5% of a chord length, and any other length considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

Each support of the plurality of supports 916 is disposed between thefirst body portion 912 and the second body portion 914 and has a firstend 972 attached to the first body portion 912 and a second end 974attached to the second body portion 914.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 918 is a micro-compressor. Each fluid pressurizerof the plurality of fluid pressurizers 918 is disposed within thechannel 970 and is in communication with the injection opening 966 andthe suction opening 968, as described in more detail herein. Each fluidpressurizer 918 is moveable between an off state and an on state, asdescribed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizerof the plurality of fluid pressurizers 918 is attached to both the firstbody portion 912 and the second body portion 914 and is positioned suchthat the suction port 976 is directed toward a first portion of thechannel 970 that extends from the suction opening 968 to the fluidpressurizer (e.g., the suction port 976 is directed toward the suctionopening 968) and the discharge port 978 is directed toward a secondportion of the channel 970 that extends from the injection opening 966to the fluid pressurizer (e.g., the discharge port 978 is directedtoward the injection opening 966). In the off state, each fluidpressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 918 does not draw anyfluid through the channel. In the on state, each fluid pressurizer ofthe plurality of fluid pressurizers 918 draws fluid through the suctionopening 968, through the channel 970, through the fluid pressurizer, andpushes fluid out of the injection opening 966.

FIG. 23 illustrates a fourth example fluid system 1010. The fluid system1010 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, and 7 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluidsystem 1010 has a lengthwise axis, a first body portion 1012, a chordlength, a second body portion 1014, a plurality of supports 1016, aplurality of fluid pressurizers 1018, a valve 1019, and an actuator1021.

In the illustrates embodiment, the first body portion 1012 defines apassageway 1160 that extends from a first opening 1162 that is definedat the trailing edge 1040 to a second opening 1164 that is definedbetween the suction opening 1104 and the plurality of fluid pressurizers1018 and is in communication with the channel 1106. The passageway 1160can have any suitable size and configuration, such as those describedwith respect to injection openings and/or suction openings.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 1019 is moveably attached tothe first body portion 1012 within the channel 1106 and has a firstsurface 1166 and a second surface 1168. The valve 1019 has a firstconfiguration, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 23, a secondconfiguration, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 23, a thirdconfiguration, and is moveable between these configurations via actuator1021. In the first configuration, the valve 1019 is disposed between thefirst body portion 1012 and the second body portion 1014 (e.g., sealsthe channel 1106 between the first body portion 1012 and the second bodyportion 1014), the first surface 1166 is directed toward the suctionopening 1104, and the second surface 1168 is directed toward the channel1106 such that fluid can flow through the passageway 1160 and into thechannel 1106 and fluid is prevented from flowing through the suctionopening 1104 and to a fluid pressurizer. In the second configuration,the valve 1019 seals the passageway 1160 defined by the first bodyportion 1012, the first surface 1166 is directed toward the channel1106, and the second surface 1168 is directed toward the passageway 1160such that fluid can flow through the suction opening 1104 and to a fluidpressurizer and fluid is prevented from flowing through the passageway1160 to the channel 1106. In the third configuration, the valve 1019 isdisposed between the first configuration and the second configurationsuch that it does not seal the channel between the first body portion1012 and the second body portion 1014 or the passageway 1160 defined bythe first body portion 1012 such that fluid can flow through the suctionopening 1104 to a fluid pressurizer and fluid can flow through thepassageway 1160 to a fluid pressurizer. In the off state, the actuator1021 positions the valve 1019 such that it is in the secondconfiguration. In the first state, the actuator 1021 positions the valve1019 in the first configuration. In the second state, the actuator 1021positions the valve 1019 in the third configuration.

The structural arrangement illustrated in FIG. 23 is consideredadvantageous at least because it provides a mechanism for producingthrust when the velocity of the fluid system 1010 is close to, below, orabout, the speed necessary to accomplish a takeoff. In addition, thestructural arrangement illustrated in FIG. 23 is considered advantageousfor vertical takeoffs. For example, each of the elements included in thefluid system 1010 can be rotated 90 degrees, or the entire wing of anaircraft on which a fluid system, such as fluid system 1010, is includedcan be rotated 90 degree, in the clockwise direction and utilized for avertical takeoff and/or landing, as shown in FIG. 24. In an alternativeembodiment, the opening 1162 and/or the valve 1019 can be omitted suchthat the system can be used for vertical takeoff and/or landing.Alternatively, any of the fluid systems described herein, such as thefluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, can beused to achieve vertical takeoff and/or landing. In embodiments in whicha fluid system is being utilized to achieve a vertical takeoff and/orlanding, a wing, or other portion of an aircraft on which a fluid systemis disposed, can be rotated relative to an axis that passes through thelengthwise axis of the aircraft, or relative to a fuselage of theaircraft, any suitable angle. When activated, the fluid system willgenerate a reactionary force directed upward, or vertical, relative tothe lengthwise axis of the aircraft, or fuselage, resulting in lift.Examples of angles considered suitable to rotate a wing, or otherportion of an aircraft, on which a fluid system is disposed relative toan axis that passes through the lengthwise axis of the aircraft, orrelative to a fuselage of the aircraft, include angles equal to, greaterthan, less than, or about 90 degrees (e.g., such that the wing, or otherportion of the aircraft, is vertical or substantially vertical), betweenabout 90 degrees and about 135 degrees, and any other angle consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

While the valve 1019 and actuator 1021 have been illustrated as having aparticular structural arrangement and as being positioned at aparticular location on the fluid system, a valve and an actuator canhave any suitable structural arrangement and be positioned at anysuitable location on a fluid system. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement and/or position to locate a valve and an actuator can bebased on various considerations, such as the desired flow around a fluidsystem and/or the desired flow through a channel defined through a fluidsystem. For example, alternative embodiments can include a valve and anactuator in each duct included in a fluid system (e.g., a suction ductcan define an opening in communication with a passageway defined by afirst body portion (e.g., passageway 1160)).

While fluid system 1010 has been illustrated as including only one valve1019 and one actuator 1021, a fluid system can include any suitablenumber of valve and actuators to accomplish a desired fluid flow throughthe system. Selection of a suitable number of valves and actuators toinclude in a fluid system can be based on various considerations,including the intended use of a fluid system within which a valve andactuator is a component. Examples of numbers of valves and actuatorsconsidered suitable to include in a fluid system include one, at leastone, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, more than ten,and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment.For example, a fluid system can optionally include a valve that iscontrolled by, and connected to, an actuator that can be moved between afirst configuration in which it seals the first opening of a passageway(e.g., passageway 1160) defined by a first body portion (e.g., when itis not desired for fluid to pass through the passageway (e.g., the valve1019 is in the second configuration) and a second configuration in whichit allows fluid to pass through the first opening.

While the first opening 1162 of the passageway 1160 has been illustratedas being defined on the trailing edge 1040, a first opening of apassageway can be defined at any suitable location on a first bodyportion. Selection of a suitable location to position a first opening ofa passageway can be based on various considerations, including thedesired fluid flow through a channel cooperatively defined by first andsecond body portions. Examples of locations considered suitable toposition a first opening of a passageway include on a rear surface,which extends from a suction opening to the trailing edge, on a bottomsurface, at any location on a first body portion such that the openingis directed toward the trailing edge, or toward a plane that containsthe trailing edge, and any other location considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates a sixth example fluid system 1210. The fluid system1210 is similar to the fluid system 610 illustrated in FIG. 17 anddescribed above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 1210 has alengthwise axis, a first body portion 1212, a chord length, a secondbody portion 1214, a third body portion 1215, a plurality of supports1216, a plurality of fluid pressurizers 1218, a first valve 1384, asecond valve 1385, a third valve 1386, and a fourth valve 1387.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 1212, the secondbody portion 1214, and the third body portion 1215 cooperatively definea first injection opening 1302, a second injection opening 1380, a firstsuction opening 1304, a second suction opening 1382, and a channel 1306.The channel 1306 extends from the injection openings 1302, 1380 to thesuction openings 1304, 1382 such that the injection openings 1302, 1380are in communication with the suction openings 1304, 1382, as describedin more detail herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the valves 1384, 1385, 1386, 1387is moveably attached to the third body portion 1215 within the channel1306 and has a first surface 1388, a second surface 1390, a thickness1389 that extends from the first surface 1388 to the second surface1390, and a length 1391. Each of the valves 1384, 1385, 1386, 1387 has afirst configuration, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 25, a secondconfiguration, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 25, a thirdconfiguration, and is moveable between these configurations via anactuator 1392 in communication with the valve. In the firstconfiguration, the valve is disposed within a recess 1393 defined by thethird body portion 1215 such that each of the valves 1384, 1385, 1386,1387 is free from the channel 1306 and does not obstruct any fluidpassing through the channel 1306. In the second configuration, the valveis disposed between the first body portion 1212 and the third bodyportion 1215 (e.g., completely seals the channel between the first bodyportion 1212 and the third body portion 1215). In the secondconfiguration, the first surface 1388 of the first valve 1384 and thesecond valve 1385 is directed toward the channel 1306 cooperativelydefined by the first body portion 1212, the second body portion 1214,and the third body portion 1215, and the second surface 1390 is directedtoward the portion of the channel 1306 cooperatively defined by thefirst body portion 1212 and the third body portion 1215. In the secondconfiguration, the first surface 1388 of the third valve 1386 and thefourth valve 1387 is directed toward the channel 1306 cooperativelydefined by the first body portion 1212 and the third body portion 1215and the second surface 1390 is directed toward an environment exteriorto the channel 1306. In the third configuration, the valve is disposedbetween the first position and the second position such that a portionof the valve is disposed within the channel 1306.

Each of the actuators 1392 is moveable between an off state, a firststate, and a second state and comprises the various components necessaryto move a valve between a first configuration, a second configuration,and a third configuration. Each of the actuators 1392 can be operativelyconnected to any suitable portion of the device, system, or component onwhich the fluid system is attached to provide power to the actuator(e.g., battery, electric motor) and to provide a mechanism for movingthe second actuator between the off state, the first state, and thesecond state (e.g., one or more switches).

In the off state, the actuators 1392 position each of the valves 1384,1385, 1386, 1387 such that it is in the first configuration and fluidcan flow through each of the first and second injection openings 1302,1380 and each of the first and second suction openings 1304, 1382. Thisconfiguration is considered advantageous during lift-off and landingsince the fluid system 1210 creates lift when the wings 1211 of theaircraft are disposed vertical, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. The liftcreated by fluid system 1210 is increased relative to the fluid system1010 illustrated in FIG. 24 based on the inclusion of a second injectionopening 1380 and a second suction opening 1382. In the first state, theactuators 1392 position each of the valves in the second configurationsuch that fluid is prevented from passing through each of the secondinjection opening 1380 and the second suction opening 1382. Thisconfiguration is considered advantageous during flight, as shown in FIG.27, since the requirement for lift is reduced relative to take-off andlanding. Therefore, after an aircraft takes off, the portions of theaircraft that include a fluid system (e.g., wings) can be rotated suchthat the leading edge is directed toward the direction of flight and thevalves can be positioned in the second configuration. In addition, whenan aircraft is preparing to land or is taking off, the portions of theaircraft that include a fluid system (e.g., wings) can be rotated suchthat the leading edge is upward, or at an angle between the direction oftravel and vertical, or vertical, and the valves can be positioned inthe first configuration. In the second state, each of the actuators 1392positions each of the valves in the third configuration such that fluidcan flow can partially flow through each of the second injection opening1380 and the second suction opening 1382.

While each of the valves 1384, 1385, 1386, 1387 and actuators 1392 hasbeen illustrated as having a particular structural arrangement and asbeing positioned at a particular location on the fluid system, a valveand an actuator can have any suitable structural arrangement and bepositioned at any suitable location on a fluid system. Selection of asuitable structural arrangement and/or position to locate a valve and anactuator can be based on various considerations, such as the desiredflow around a fluid system and/or the desired flow through a channeldefined through a fluid system. While each of the valves 1384, 1385,1386, 1387 has been illustrated as moveably attached to the third bodyportion 1215 within the channel 1306 and disposed within a recess 1393defined by the third body portion 1215 in the first configuration, avalve can be attached to any suitable portion of a fluid system toachieve the configurations described herein. For example, a valve can bemoveably attached to a first body portion or a second body portion suchthat the valve is disposed within a recess defined by the first bodyportion or the second body portion in the first configuration. Any ofthe embodiments described herein, such as the fluid system 1210, can beincluded on any suitable component of a conventional aircraft. Forexample, any of the embodiments described herein, such as fluid system1210, can be included on a flap and/or elevator (e.g., which can bemoveable relative to the first body portion) that provides enhanced liftto the wing during flight.

FIG. 28 illustrates a seventh example fluid system 1410. The fluidsystem 1410 is similar to the fluid system 1210 illustrated in FIG. 25and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 1410 hasa lengthwise axis, a first body portion 1412, a chord length, a secondbody portion 1414, a third body portion 1415, a plurality of supports1416, a plurality of fluid pressurizers 1418, a first valve 1584, asecond valve 1585, and a third valve 1586. The first valve 1584 issimilar to the first valve 1384 described above, except as detailedbelow. The second valve 1585 is similar to the third valve 1386described above, except as detailed below.

In the illustrates embodiment, the fluid system 1410 omits the inclusionof first and second suction openings and the first body portion 1412defines a first opening 1562 that is defined at the trailing edge 1440and provides access to the channel 1506, which extends from the firstopening 1562 to the first injection opening 1502 and the secondinjection opening 1580. The first opening 1562 can have any suitablesize and configuration, such as those described with response toinjection openings and/or suction openings.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third valve 1586 is moveably attachedto the second body portion 1414 within the channel 1506 and has a firstsurface 1566 and a second surface 1568. The third valve 1586 has a firstconfiguration, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 28, a secondconfiguration, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 28, a thirdconfiguration, and is moveable between these configurations via actuator1421. In the first configuration, the third valve 1586 is disposed overthe first opening 1562 (e.g., seals the first opening 1562), the firstsurface 1566 is directed toward an environment exterior to the channel1506, and the second surface 1568 is directed toward the channel 1506such that fluid is prevented from flowing into the channel 1506 throughthe first opening 1562. In the second configuration, the third valve1586 is disposed adjacent to the second body portion 1414, the firstsurface 1566 is directed toward the channel 1506, and the second surface1568 is directed toward the second body portion 1414 such that fluid canflow through the passageway 1560 and to a fluid pressurizer 1418. In thethird configuration, the third valve 1586 is disposed between the firstconfiguration and the second configuration such that it does not sealthe channel between the first body portion 1412 and the second bodyportion 1414 or the first opening 1562 such that fluid can flow throughthe passageway 1560 to a fluid pressurizer 1418. In the off state, theactuator 1421 positions the third valve 1586 such that it is in thesecond configuration. In the first state, the actuator 1421 positionsthe third valve 1586 in the first configuration. In the second state,the actuator 1421 positions the third valve 1586 in the thirdconfiguration.

FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32 illustrate an example aircraft 1627 thatincludes an eighth example fluid system 1610. The fluid system 1610 issimilar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,and 7 and described above, except as detailed below. A fluid system 1610is included on a first airfoil 1622 of a first wing 1624, a secondairfoil 1623 of a second wing 1625, a third airfoil 1751 of a firstcanard 1750, and a fourth 1753 airfoil of a second canard 1752. Eachfluid system 1610 has a lengthwise axis 1611, a first body portion 1612,a chord length 1613, a second body portion 1614, a plurality ofsupports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers, a plurality of ducts, and aplurality of propellers, as described in more detail herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first canard 1750 is positionedbetween the first wing 1624 and the nose 1754 of the aircraft 1627 andthe second canard 1752 is positioned between the second wing 1625 andthe nose 1754 of the aircraft 1627. Each of the first wing 1624, thesecond wing 1625, the first canard 1750, and the second canard 1752 isrotatable between a first, substantially horizontal position, as shownin FIGS. 29 and 30, and a second, rotated position, as shown in FIG. 31.Each of the first wing 1624, the second wing 1625, the first canard1750, and the second canard 1752 can be rotated between about −10degrees and about 135 degrees from the first position to the secondposition. A negative angle indicates that the chord length (or averagechord length for twisted wings) of a wing or canard is below ahypothetical horizontal plane and a positive angle indicates that thechord length (or average chord length for twisted wings) of a wing orcanard is above a hypothetical horizontal plane.

A first plurality of propellers 1755 is positioned on the first wing1624 between the fuselage 1757 and the end 1759 of the first wing 1624such that each propeller of the first plurality of propellers 1755 isequally spaced from an adjacent propeller of the first plurality ofpropellers 1755. A second plurality of propellers 1756 is positioned onthe second wing 1625 between the fuselage 1757 and the end 1761 of thesecond wing 1625 such that each propeller of the second plurality ofpropellers 1756 is equally spaced from an adjacent propeller of thesecond plurality of propellers 1756. A third plurality of propellers1758 is positioned on the first canard 1750 between the fuselage 1757and the end 1763 of the first canard 1750 such that each propeller ofthe third plurality of propellers 1758 is equally spaced from anadjacent propeller of the third plurality of propellers 1758. A fourthplurality of propellers 1760 is positioned on the second canard 1752between the fuselage 1757 and the end 1765 of the second canard 1752such that each propeller of the fourth plurality of propellers 1760 isequally spaced from an adjacent propeller of the fourth plurality ofpropellers 1760.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of propellers 1755 isdisposed between the injection opening 1702 and the suction opening 1704on the first wing 1624 (e.g., about 10% of the chord length downstreamor upstream of the leading edge 1638), the second plurality ofpropellers 1756 is disposed between the injection opening 1702 and thesuction opening 1704 on the second wing 1625 (e.g., about 10% of thechord length downstream or upstream of the leading edge 1638), the thirdplurality of propellers 1758 is disposed between the injection opening1702 and the suction opening 1704 on the first canard 1750 (e.g., about10% of the chord length downstream or upstream of the leading edge 1762of the first canard 1750), and the fourth plurality of propellers 1760is disposed between the injection opening 1702 and the suction opening1704 on the second canard 1752 (e.g., about 10% of the chord lengthdownstream or upstream of the leading edge 1762 of the second canard1752). In use, each of the propellers included on the first wing 1624,the second wing 1625, the first canard 1750, and the second canard 1752generates freestream flow for the fluid system 1610 (e.g., at an angleof attack (or wing chord angle about horizontal), such as 45 degrees, orbetween about 45 degrees and about 80 degrees). Enhanced by thefreestream induced by the propellers, the fluid system 1610 is capableof generating a high lift coefficient relative to aircrafts that do notinclude a combination of propellers and a fluid system, such as thosedescribed herein. This results in a system in which some, or most, ofthe lift is generated by the fluid system 1610 (e.g., for verticaltakeoff and landing). In addition, it results in a system in which thepropeller disk loading is substantially lower than conventional verticaltakeoff and landing aircrafts since it is not the sole generator ofvertical lift, which reduces the noise level and energy consumption.

In use, as shown in FIG. 32, 1764 represents an angle between the chordlength 1613 and the horizontal and 1766 represents an angle between theresultant force F of the fluid system 1610 and the horizontal. Theresultant force F is the sum of the force provided by the fluid system1610 and each of the propellers included on a wing. The airfoil, whichincludes the fluid system 1610, generates most of the vertical componentof F, which reduces the disk loading of the propeller, the noise, andthe improves the efficiency of the system. When the angle 1764 isincreased, the angle 1766 is generally also increased. The angle 1766determines the degree of the lift component, which is in the verticaldirection. For example, if the angle 1766 is 90 degrees, the resultantforce is in the lift direction. The closer the angle 1764 to 90 degrees,the more lift is generated from the propellers alone and less isgenerated from the fluid system 1610, which reduces the efficiency ofthe system and results in a higher power loading. Power loading isdefined as how much power is needed to lift per unit weight. The angle1766 is determined by the strength of the co-flow jet of the fluidsystem 1610 and the propeller disking loading. The preferred angle 1764is between about 45 degrees and about 80 degrees for both takeoff andlanding, which results in increased lift and efficiency, but it can bein any suitable angle between about 0 degrees and about 135 degrees. Atvertical takeoff and landing, the preferred angle between a plane thatextends through a propeller blade and a chord length is between about 40degrees and about 150 degrees. At cruise, a plane that extends through apropeller blade can be rotated such that it is perpendicular to theflight direction. For a vertical takeoff, the angle 1766 does not needto be 90 degrees. For example, an aircraft could takeoff without using arunway when angle 1764 is about 70 degrees. However, at landing, theangle 1766 of about 90 degrees or larger can assist with landing. FIG.31 illustrates the wings 1624, 1625 and canards 1750, 1752 disposed atan angle equal to about 45 degrees. After an aircraft takes off using afluid system (e.g., when cursing), such as fluid system 1610, the wingsand/or canards can rotate back to the first position (e.g.,substantially horizontal), or a position between the first position andthe second position, such that an optimum angle of attack (e.g., theangle between the wing chord and flight direction) is achieved resultingin decreased drag and optimum aerodynamic efficiency. Any suitablecruise angle of attack can be utilized by a wing and/or canard, such asangles between about −10 degrees and about 15 degrees, angles betweenabout −2 degrees and about 8 degrees, and any other angle consideredsuitable.

While the plurality of propellers 1755, 1756, 1758, 1760 have beenillustrated as being fixed to a wing or a canard, a propeller attachedto a wing or a canard can be moveable relative to the wing or thecanard. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, an angle 1767 can be disposedbetween a plane that extends through a propeller blade and a chordlength. The angle 1767 can be any suitable angle including anglesbetween about 40 degrees and about 150 degrees during a vertical takeoffor vertical landing, or equal to, greater than, less than, or about 180degrees while the vehicle is at cruise altitude.

While the fluid system 1610 has been illustrated as including aplurality of propellers located at specific locations on a wing and acanard, a fluid system can include any suitable number and type ofpropulsion devices positioned at any suitable location on a wing and/orcanard. Selection of a suitable number and type of propulsion devices,and position to locate a propulsion device, can be based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of the aircraft on which thefluid system is included. Examples of suitable propulsion devicesconsidered suitable to include in a fluid system include propellers, jetengines, unducted fans, ducted fans, open rotors, any device of systemthat generates thrust, and any other propulsion device consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of positions consideredsuitable to locate a propulsion device on a wing and/or canard includebetween a tip of an aircraft and a leading edge of a wing and/or canard,between a leading edge and a trailing edge of a wing and/or canard,between a trailing edge of a wing and/or canard and a tail of anaircraft, at the tip of a wing or canard, at an end of wing or canard,such that each propulsion device in a plurality of propulsion devices isequal spaced from an adjacent propulsion device of the plurality ofpropulsion devices, such that each propulsion device in a plurality ofpropulsion devices is distributed along a wing and/or canard (e.g.,equally spaced, or variably spaced), such that the tip or outerperimeter of the propulsion device is spaced relative to the outersurface of a wing and/or a canard between about 0.01% of the wing orcanard chord length and about 100% of the wing or canard chord lengthtaken along a plane that is vertical, such that the tip or outerperimeter of the propulsion device is spaced relative to the outersurface of a wing and/or a canard between about 1% of the wing or canardchord length and about 10% of the wing or canard chord length takenalong a plane that is vertical, such that a propulsion device is infront of the leading edge of a wing or a canard (e.g., between theleading edge and the nose, in front of the leading edge and nose), at aleading edge, at a trailing edge, and any other location consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of numbers of propulsiondevices considered suitable to include on a wing and/or canard includezero, one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six,seven, eight, more than eight, and any other number considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

It is considered advantageous to include one or more propulsion devicesin a fluid system included on an aircraft, such as those describedherein, to increase the lift, increase the efficiency, and reduce thenoise relative to conventional direct vertical takeoff and landingvehicles. For example, the inclusion of fluid system 1610 on aircraft1627 results in an aircraft 1627 that includes both direct verticaltakeoff and landing technology as well as a fluid system, as describedherein, which, when the wings 1624, 1625 and canards 1750, 1752 arerotated to an angle as described herein (e.g., vertical, between about45 degrees and about 135 degrees), create greater lift relative tovertical takeoff technology that does not include a fluid system. Inaddition, the inclusion of a fluid system on a wing, or a plurality ofwings, and/or a canard, or a plurality of canards, of an aircraftassists with the generation of lift during takeoff, landing, and/orwhile cruising.

While fluid system 1610 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and described above, any of the features,components, and/or devices described with respect to fluid system 1610(e.g., propellers, propulsion devices) can be included on any suitablefluid system and selection of a feature, component, and/or device toinclude in a fluid system can be based on various considerations,including the intended use of the fluid system. For example, any of thefeatures, components, and/or devices described herein, such as withrespect to fluid system 1610 and aircraft 1627 (e.g., canard) can beincluded in any suitable fluid system, such as those described herein,those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/426,084 by Zhaand filed on Feb. 7, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety, and/or those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/255,523 by Zha and filed on Sep. 2, 2016, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

While the aircraft 1627 has been illustrated as including a first canard1750 and a second canard 1752 at specific locations on the aircraft 1627and each of the canards 1750, 1752 includes a fluid system, an aircraftcan omit the inclusion of one or more canards, position one or morecanards at other locations on the aircraft (e.g., between a first wingand a tail of the aircraft, between a second wing and a tail of theaircraft, on the top, middle, or bottom of a tail, at the nose of theaircraft, in front of the nose of an aircraft, and/or at any othersuitable location along the length of a fuselage), and/or include one ormore canards and/or wings that omit a fluid system. While each wing andcanard of aircraft 1627 has been illustrated as being rotatable 90degrees, a wing and/or canard included on an aircraft can be rotatableany suitable angle relative to a lengthwise axis of the wing or canardand can be based on various considerations, including the intended useof the aircraft. Examples, of angles considered suitable to rotate awing and/or canard included on an aircraft include angles between about0 degrees and about 90 degrees, angles between 0 degrees and 180degrees, angles between about 0 degrees and about 270 degrees, anglesbetween 0 degrees and about 360 degrees, angles greater than, less than,equal to, or about 90 degrees, and any other angle considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

FIGS. 33, 34, 35, and 36 illustrate an example aircraft 1827 thatincludes a ninth example fluid system 1810. The fluid system 1810 issimilar to the fluid system 1610 illustrated in FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 1810 hasa lengthwise axis 1811, a first body portion 1812, a chord length 1813,a second body portion 1814, a plurality of supports, a plurality offluid pressurizers, a plurality of ducts 1820, a first canard 1950, asecond canard 1952, a first plurality of propellers 1955, a secondplurality of propellers 1956, a propeller 1958 disposed on the firstcanard 1950, and a propeller 1960 disposed on the second canard 1952.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fluid system 1810 is included on afirst airfoil 1822 of a first wing 1824 of an aircraft 1827, a secondairfoil 1823 of a second wing 1825 of an aircraft 1827, and, during use,a forward flying direction is illustrated by arrow 1801. A fluid systemis not included on the first canard 1950 or the second canard 1952.However, alternative embodiments could include a fluid system on acanard.

The first plurality of propellers 1955 is positioned on the first wing1824 between the fuselage 1957 and the end 1959 of the first wing 1824such that a first propeller is disposed at about the middle of the firstwing 1824 and a second propeller is disposed near the end 1959 of thefirst wing 1824. The second plurality of propellers 1956 is positionedon the second wing 1825 between the fuselage 1959 and the end 1961 ofthe second wing 1825 such that a first propeller is disposed at aboutthe middle of the second wing 1825 and a second propeller is disposednear the end 1961 of the second wing 1825. The propeller 1958 ispositioned on the first canard 1950 near the end 1963 of the firstcanard 1950. The propeller 1960 is positioned on the second canard 1952near the end 1965 of the second canard 1952.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of propellers 1955 isdisposed between the leading edge 1838 of the first wing 1824 and thenose 1954 of the aircraft 1827 (e.g., upstream of the leading edge1838), the second plurality of propellers 1956 is disposed between theleading edge 1838 of the second wing 1825 and the nose 1954 of theaircraft 1827 (e.g., upstream of the leading edge 1838), the propeller1958 is disposed between the leading edge 1962 of the first canard 1950and the nose 1954 of the aircraft 1827 (e.g., upstream of the leadingedge 1962), and the propeller 1960 is disposed between the leading edge1962 of the second canard 1952 and the nose 1954 of the aircraft 1827(e.g., upstream of the leading edge 1962).

FIG. 37 illustrates a tenth example fluid system 2010 included on thewing 2024 of an aircraft subjected to a fluid flow field. The fluidsystem 2010 is similar to the fluid system 1810 illustrated in FIGS. 33,34, 35, and 36 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluidsystem 2010 has a lengthwise axis 2011, a first body portion 2012, achord length 2013, a second body portion 2014, a plurality of supports,a plurality of fluid pressurizers 2018, a plurality of ducts, and afirst plurality of propellers 2055.

In the illustrated embodiment, each propeller of the first plurality ofpropellers 2055 is moveable relative to an axis 2170 that contains thechord length 2013 in a first direction such that it is disposed at afirst angle 2172 relative to the axis 2170 and in a second directionsuch that it is disposed at a second angle 2174 relative to the axis2170. Each of the first angle 2172 and the second angle 2174 can be anysuitable angle between about 0 degrees and about 20 degrees.

It is considered advantageous to include a propulsion device that ismoveable relative to an axis that contains a chord length and/or a planethat contains the lengthwise axis of a portion of an aircraft (e.g.,wingspan) at least because it provides a mechanism for increasing theefficiency of a fluid system. For example, a propulsion device can bemoved along a plane at any suitable angle, or relative to a plane at anysuitable angle. Any propulsion device, such as a propeller, included ina fluid system can be moveable as described herein. While angles 2172,2174 have been illustrated as being between about 0 degrees and about 20degrees, a propulsion device can be moveable at any suitable anglerelative to a plane that contains a lengthwise axis of a wingspan, achord length, or any other portion of an aircraft. Examples of anglesconsidered suitable to move a propulsion device relative to a plane oran axis include angles equal to, greater than, less than, or about 5degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 90degrees, between about 0 degrees and about 50 degrees, between about 0degrees and about 90 degrees, and any other angle considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate an eleventh example fluid system 2210. Thefluid system 2210 is similar to the fluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 and described above, except as detailed below.The fluid system 2210 has a lengthwise axis, a main body 2212, a chordlength, a plurality of supports 2216, a plurality of fluid pressurizers2218, a first valve 2384, a second valve 2385, and a third valve 2386.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 2212 has a leading edge2238, a trailing edge 2240, a first intermediate edge 2242, a secondintermediate edge 2244, a front surface 2246, a rear surface 2248, athird intermediate edge 2280, a fourth intermediate edge 2282, a topsurface 2284, and defines a first opening 2367, second opening 2368, apassageway 2369, a first recess 2371, a second recess 2373, and a thirdrecess 2375.

The first intermediate edge 2242 is disposed between the leading edge2238 and the trailing edge 2240 and the second intermediate edge 2244 isdisposed between the first intermediate edge 2242 and the trailing edge2240. The front surface 2246 extends from the leading edge 2238 towardthe trailing edge 2240 to the first intermediate edge 2242. The rearsurface 2248 extends from the second intermediate edge 2244 away fromthe leading edge 2238 to the trailing edge 2240 and curves toward thechord length. The third intermediate edge 2280 is disposed between theleading edge 2238 and the fourth intermediate edge 2282 and the fourthintermediate edge 2282 is disposed between the third intermediate edge2280 and the trailing edge 2240. In the illustrated embodiment, thechannel 2306 extends from the suction opening 2304 to the injectionopening 2302.

The first opening 2367 is defined within the channel 2306 and is influid communication with the channel 2306 and the passageway 2369. Thesecond opening 2368 is defined on the leading edge 2238 and is in fluidcommunication with the passageway 2369 and an environment exterior tothe passageway 2369 and the channel 2306. The passageway 2369 extendsthrough the main body 2212 from the first opening 2367 to the secondopening 2368 and converges from the first opening 2367 to the secondopening 2368. In some embodiments, this structural arrangement of thepassageway 2369 provides a mechanism for accelerating fluid flow througha passageway. Alternative embodiments, however, can include a passagewaythat has any suitable structural arrangement, such as a constant insidediameter, a passageway that converges from the second end to the firstend, and any other arrangement considered suitable for a particularembodiment. While the openings 2367, 2368 and the passageway 2369 havebeen illustrated as being positioned at specific locations on the fluidsystem 2210, an opening and passageway defined by a main body can bepositioned at any suitable location. Selection of a suitable location toposition an opening and/or passageway can be based on variousconsiderations, including the desired fluid flow through the openingand/or passageway. For example, a passageway can have a linear, orcurved structural configuration.

Each of the first recess 2371, the second recess 2373, and the thirdrecess 2375 is sized and configured to receive and house a valve 2384,2385, 2386. The first recess 2371 is sized and configured to receive thefirst valve 2384, which is attached to the main body 2212 such that itcan obstruct the channel 2306 and is disposed adjacent the injectionopening 2302. The second recess 2373 is sized and configured to receivethe second valve 2385, which is attached to the main body 2212 such thatit can obstruct fluid moving through the channel 2306 and into thepassageway 2369 and is disposed adjacent the first opening 2367. Thethird recess 2375 is sized and configured to receive the third valve2386, which is attached to the main body 2212 such that it can obstructfluid moving through the passageway 2369 to an environment exterior tothe passageway 2369 and is disposed adjacent the second opening 2368.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 2218 is disposed within the channel 2306 and is incommunication with the injection openings 2302 and the suction opening2304. Each fluid pressurizer of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 2218is attached to the main body 2212 and is positioned such that thesuction port 2324 is directed toward a first portion of the channel 2306that extends from the suction opening 2304 to the fluid pressurizer(e.g., the suction port 2324 is directed toward the suction opening2304) and the discharge port 2326 is directed toward a second portion ofthe channel 2306 that extends from the injection opening 2302 to thefluid pressurizer (e.g., the discharge port 2326 is directed toward theinjection opening 2302). In the off state, each fluid pressurizer of theplurality of fluid pressurizers 2218 does not draw any fluid through thechannel 2306. In the on state, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 2218 draws fluid through the suction opening 704,through the channel 2306, through the fluid pressurizer, and pushesfluid through the channel 2306 and out of the injection opening 2302and/or out of the second opening 2368 through the passageway 2369,depending on the position of the valves 2384, 2385, and 2386 asdescribed in more detail herein.

A fluid pressurizer can be attached to a main body using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment and selection of a suitable techniqueor method of attachment between a fluid pressurizer and a main body canbe based on various considerations, including the material(s) that formsthe fluid pressurizer, and/or the main body. Examples of techniques andmethods of attachment considered suitable include welding, fusing, usingadhesives, mechanical connectors, and any other technique or methodconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 ismoveably attached to the main body 2212 and has a first surface, asecond surface, a thickness that extends from the first surface to thesecond surface, and a length. Each of the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 has afirst configuration, as shown in FIG. 38, a second configuration, asshown in FIG. 39, and is moveable between these configurations viaactuators 2387. In the first configuration, the first valve 2384 ispositioned within the first recess 2371 such that fluid can flow throughthe channel 2306 out of the injection opening 2302 to an environmentexterior to the channel 2306 (e.g., in the first configuration the firstvalve 2384 is positioned such that it does not seal the injectionopening 2302). In the second configuration, the first valve 2384 ispositioned such that fluid is prevented from flowing through theinjection opening 2302 (e.g., in the second configuration the firstvalve 2384 seals the injection opening 2302). In the firstconfiguration, the second valve 2385 is positioned such that fluid isprevented from flowing through the first opening 2367 and into thepassageway 2369 (e.g., in the first configuration the second valve 2385seals the first opening 2367). In the second configuration, the secondvalve 2385 is positioned within the second recess 2373 such that fluidcan flow through the first opening 2367 and into the passageway 2369(e.g., in the second configuration the second valve 2385 is positionedsuch that it does not seal the first opening 2367). In the firstconfiguration, the third valve 2386 is positioned such that fluid isprevented from flowing through the second opening 2368 and out of thepassageway 2369 (e.g., in the first configuration the third valve 2386seals the second opening 2368). In the second configuration, the thirdvalve 2386 is positioned within the third recess 2375 such that fluidcan flow through the second opening 2368 and through passageway 2369 toan environment exterior to the passageway 2369 (e.g., in the secondconfiguration the third valve 2386 is positioned such that it does notseal the second opening 2368).

Each of the actuators 2387 is moveable between an off state and an onstate and comprises the various components necessary to move a valvebetween a first configuration and a second configuration. Each of theactuators 2387 can be operatively connected to any suitable portion ofthe device, system, or component on which the fluid system is attachedto provide power to the actuator (e.g., battery, electric motor) and toprovide a mechanism for moving the actuator between the off state andthe on state (e.g., one or more switches). In the off state, theactuators 2387 position each of the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 such that itis in the first configuration. In the on state, the actuators 2387position each of the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 such that it is in thesecond configuration.

A valve and an actuator included in a fluid system can comprise anysuitable valve and actuator and selection of a suitable valve andactuator can be based on various considerations, such as the structuralarrangement of a main body included in a fluid system on which a valveis disposed and/or the material that forms a main body included in afluid system. Examples of valves considered suitable to include in afluid system include elongate plates that are sized and configured tointeract with a main body to completely, or partially, seal apassageway, or channel, defined by one or more main bodies, butterflyvalves, diaphragm valves, and any other valve considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Examples of actuators considered suitable toinclude in a fluid system include electric motors, pneumatic actuators,hydraulic actuators, actuators that produce rotational movement aroundthe lengthwise axis of an attached shaft, actuators that produce axialmovement of a shaft along the lengthwise axis of the shaft, linearactuators, and any other actuator considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

While each of the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 and actuators 2387 has beenillustrated as having a particular structural arrangement and as beingpositioned at a particular location on the fluid system, a valve and anactuator can have any suitable structural arrangement and be positionedat any suitable location on a fluid system. Selection of a suitablestructural arrangement and/or position to locate a valve and an actuatorcan be based on various considerations, such as the desired flow arounda fluid system and/or the desired flow through a channel defined througha fluid system. For example, a valve and an actuator included in a fluidsystem can be positioned within a channel and/or passageway, bepivotably attached to a main body, positioned downstream from an end ofa duct (e.g., an injection duct that terminates downstream from apassageway), or at any other location that achieves the sealing asdescribed herein.

Generally, when a conventional aircraft lands it utilizes a reversethrust with airflow from the engines to shorten the distance required tostop the aircraft. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39,when the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 are in the second configuration, thefluid traveling through the channel 2306 is ejected out of thepassageway 2369 and in a direction that is opposite of the main flow ofair 2390 around the fluid system 2210 such that a reverse thrust isgenerated in a direction that is opposite of the main flow of air 2390.When the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 are in the second configuration, thefluid system 2210 also provides a mechanism for interrupting airfoilflow such that lift is reduced, which can increase the friction betweenthe wheels of an aircraft and the ground to shorten the distancerequired to come to a stop. In use, the valves 2384, 2385, 2386 can bepositioned in the first configuration when the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 38 and 39 is included on a wing of an aircraft and the aircraft isin flight and can be positioned in the second configuration when theaircraft is landing and/or attempting to stop.

While the fluid system 2210 has been illustrated as including apassageway 2369 and valves 2384, 2385, 2386, any of the features,elements, and/or structure illustrated with respect to fluid system 2210can be included at multiple locations along a length of a fluid system.For example, multiple passageways and a plurality of valves can bedistributed along a length of an airfoil such that discrete secondopenings are defined along the length of the airfoil. Alternatively, asecond opening can be elongated and a single valve, or multiple valves,can be used to move the opening between an open and closedconfiguration. In embodiments in which multiple valves are used, eachvalve can be used in combination, or separately from one another, toachieve a complete, or partial seal, of a second opening.

While various elements, features, and components have been illustratedas disposed on a plane that is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of afluid system, the various elements, features, and components included ina fluid system can be disposed in any suitable orientation relative toone another. Selection of a suitable orientation to position variouselements, features, and components of a fluid system relative to oneanother can be based on various considerations, including the desiredflow characteristics of fluid flowing through the fluid system. Forexample, one or more passageways, openings, and/ or channels, orportions thereof, can be disposed on a first plane that extends througha lengthwise axis of a fluid system (e.g., orthogonally) and one or morepassageways, openings, and/or channels, or portions thereof, can bedisposed on a second plane that is different than the first plane andthat extends through the lengthwise axis of the fluid system (e.g.,orthogonally). Each of the first plane and the second plane can bedisposed any suitable angle relative to the lengthwise axis and thesecond plane can be disposed at any suitable angle relative to the firstplane (e.g., parallel, coplanar). The first plane can be the same as, ordifferent than, the second plane.

FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate an example aircraft 2427 that includes anexample fluid system 2410. The aircraft 2427 is similar to the aircraft1627 illustrated in FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32 and described above, exceptas detailed below. A fluid system 2410 is included on a first airfoil2422 of a first wing 2424, a second airfoil 2423 of a second wing 2425,a third airfoil 2551 of a first canard 2550, a fourth 2553 airfoil of asecond canard 2552, and, during use, a forward flying direction isillustrated by arrow 2401. Each fluid system 2410 is similar to thefluid system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 anddescribed above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 2410 has alengthwise axis 2411, a first body portion 2412, a chord length, asecond body portion 2414, a plurality of supports 2416, a plurality offluid pressurizers 2418, and a flap 2610. In the illustrated embodiment,the aircraft 2427 omits the inclusion of a plurality of propellers andincludes first and second canards 2550, 2552. However, alternativeembodiments can include one or more propellers, as described herein,and/or omit one or more canards.

Conventional aircrafts include ailerons, a rudder, elevators, spoilers,flaps, and other components to assist with flight control. For example,flap 2610 can be utilized to generate, or increase, lift withoutrequiring rotation of a wing 2424, 2425. Similar structure canoptionally be utilized on end portions of a wing (e.g., first portion2602, first portion 2604, as described in more detail herein) asailerons. Embodiments of the fluid systems described herein can also beutilized to assist with flight control. For example, during use, fluidsystem 2410 produces jets of fluid 2592 exiting the injection opening2502. The strength of the velocity of the jets of fluid 2592 exiting aninjection opening 2502 is based on the type, size, and/or location ofeach fluid pressurizer of the plurality fluid pressurizers, the amountof power being supplied to a fluid pressurizer, the structuralconfiguration of each duct of the plurality of ducts, the structuralconfiguration of a channel, or plurality of channels, defined by a mainbody or cooperatively defined by first and second main body portions,the size and configuration of an injection opening, the size andconfiguration of a suction opening, and/or any other feature, element,and/or component of a fluid system. While the fluid systems 2410 havebeen illustrated as including a plurality of ducts, a plurality ofducts, or a portion of a plurality of ducts, can be omitted from a fluidsystem.

Different flight control effects can be imparted onto the aircraft 2427by manipulating the velocity of the jets of fluid 2592 being ejectedfrom the injection opening 2502 and/or rotating a portion of one or moreof the wings 2424, 2425. For example, if it is desired to impart rollcontrol onto the aircraft 2427, a first set of fluid pressurizers 2593and a second set of fluid pressurizers 2594 can be utilized. The firstset of fluid pressurizers 2593 is positioned on a first portion 2602 ofthe first wing 2424 that extends from the end 2559 to a point located afourth of the length of the first wing 2424 from the end 2559. Thesecond set of fluid pressurizers 2594 is positioned on a first portion2604 of the second wing 2425 that extends from the end 2561 to a pointlocated a fourth of the length of the second wing 2425 from the end2561. Alternatively, or in addition to increasing or decreasing thevelocity of fluid exiting one or fluid pressurizers, a portion of one ormore wings 2424, 2425 can be rotated. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst portion 2602 of the first wing 2424 and the first portion 2604 ofthe second wing is rotatable about the lengthwise axis 2411 in both acounterclockwise and clockwise direction. By rotating one, or both, ofportions 2602, 2604, an increase or decrease in lift can be achieved oneach wing 2424, 2425 such that the difference of the lift between thetwo wings 2424, 2425 generates a rolling moment. Depending on the typeof roll control intended to be achieved, one of the first set of fluidpressurizers 2593, or a portion thereof, or second set of fluidpressurizers 2594, or a portion thereof, can increase or decrease thevelocity of fluid exiting the fluid pressurizer(s) such that the rollingmoment can be altered. A fluid system utilized in this manner can beused as a control separately from, or in combination with, one or moreailerons. Alternatively, or in addition to increasing or decreasing thevelocity of fluid exiting a fluid pressurizer and/or rotating a portionof one or more wings, the cross-sectional area of one or more injectionopenings and/or suction openings can be manipulated to achievemanipulation of the rolling moment.

Depending on the type of yaw control intended to be achieved, one of thefirst set of fluid pressurizers 2593, or a portion thereof, or secondset of fluid pressurizers 2594, or a portion thereof, can increase ordecrease the velocity of fluid exiting the injection opening 2502 togenerate drag or thrust on a wing such that the yaw moment can bealtered. For example, by altering the velocity of the fluid exiting theinjection opening 2502 on one, or both, of the wings 2424, 2425, anincrease or decrease in drag or thrust can be achieved a wing 2424, 2425such that a yaw moment is generated. A fluid system utilized in thismanner can be used as a control separately from, or in combination with,a rudder. Alternatively, or in addition to increasing or decreasing thevelocity of fluid exiting an injection slot, the cross-sectional area ofone or more injection openings and/or suction openings can bemanipulated to achieve manipulation of the yaw moment.

While manipulation of a set, or sets, of fluid pressurizers on one ormore wings has been described as altering the roll, yaw, and/or pitch ofan aircraft, alternative embodiments can include a set of fluidpressurizers on one or more canards that can be utilized in combinationwith, or separately from, one or more sets of fluids pressurizers on oneor more wings to accomplish manipulation of the roll, yaw, and/or pitchof an aircraft.

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate a twelfth example fluid system 2610. Thefluid system 2610 is similar to the fluid system 610 illustrated in FIG.17 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system 2610has a lengthwise axis 2611, a first body portion 2612, a chord length2613, a second body portion 2614, a plurality of supports 2616, aplurality of fluid pressurizers 2618, a first valve 2684, a second valve2685, a third valve 2686, and a fourth valve 2687.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the valves 2684, 2685, 2686, 2687is moveably attached to the first body portion 2612 and has a firstconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 42, a second configuration, as shown inFIG. 43, and is moveable between these configurations via actuators2692. In the first configuration, the first valve 2684 is disposedbetween the first body portion 2612 and the second body portion 2614such that it seals the injection opening 2702 and fluid cannot passthrough the injection opening 2702 (e.g., completely seals the injectionopening 2702). In the second configuration, the first valve 2684 isdisposed adjacent the first body portion 2612 such that it does not sealthe injection opening 2702 and fluid can pass through the injectionopening 2702. In the first configuration, the second valve 2685 isdisposed between the first body portion 2612 and the second body portion2614 such that it seals the suction opening 2704 and fluid cannot passthrough the suction opening 2704 (e.g., completely seals the suctionopening 2704). In the second configuration, the second valve 2685 isdisposed adjacent the first body portion 2612 such that it does not sealthe suction opening 2704 and fluid can pass through the suction opening2704. In the first configuration, the third valve 2686 is disposedbetween the first body portion 2612 and the second body portion 2614such that it seals the second injection opening 2780 and fluid cannotpass through the second injection opening 2780 (e.g., completely sealsthe second injection opening 2780). In the second configuration, thethird valve 2686 is disposed adjacent the first body portion 2612 suchthat it does not seal the second injection opening 2780 and fluid canpass through the second injection opening 2780. In the firstconfiguration, the fourth valve 2687 is disposed between the first bodyportion 2612 and the second body portion 2614 such that it seals thesecond suction opening 2782 and fluid cannot pass through the secondsuction opening 2782 (e.g., completely seals the second suction opening2782). In the second configuration, the fourth valve 2687 is disposedadjacent the first body portion 2612 such that it does not seal thesecond suction opening 2682 and fluid can pass through the secondsuction opening 2682.

Each of the actuators 2692 is moveable between an off state and an onstate and comprises the various components necessary to move a valvebetween a first configuration and a second configuration. Each of theactuators 2692 can be operatively connected to any suitable portion ofthe device, system, or component on which the fluid system is attachedto provide power to the actuator (e.g., battery, electric motor) and toprovide a mechanism for moving the actuator between the off state andthe on state (e.g., one or more switches).

In the off state, the actuators 2692 position the valves 2684, 2685,2686, 2687 in the first configuration and fluid is prevented fromflowing through the relative openings. In the on state, the actuators2692 position the valves 2684, 2685, 2686, 2687 in the secondconfiguration such that fluid can flow through the relative openings.The actuators 2692 can move between the on state and off stateconcurrently, or separate from one another, depending on the desiredflight control intended to be imparted on the aircraft.

Different flight control effects can be imparted onto the aircraft bymanipulating the velocity of the jets of fluid 2792 being ejected fromthe injection openings 2702, 2780. For example, if it is desired toimpart pitch control onto the aircraft, a first set of fluidpressurizers and a second set of fluid pressurizers can be utilized. Thefirst set of fluid pressurizers is positioned on a first wing betweenthe end and a point located a third of the length of the first wing fromthe end. The second set of fluid pressurizers is positioned on a secondwing between the end and a point located a third of the length of thesecond wing from the end. Depending on the type of pitch controlintended to be achieved, one of the first set of compressors, orportions thereof, or second set of compressors, or portions thereof, canincrease or decrease the velocity of fluid exiting the compressors suchthat the pitch moment can be altered. As illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43,the fluid system 2610 is utilized in combination with an elevator 2810.Alternatively, or in addition to increasing or decreasing the velocityof fluid exiting a compressor and/or using an elevator, thecross-sectional area of one or more injection openings and/or suctionopenings can be manipulated to achieve manipulation of the pitch moment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid system 2610 is symmetricalabout its chord length. During use, when it is not desired to impartflight control (e.g., pitch control) on an airfoil, each of the valves2684, 2685, 2686, 2687 is in the first configuration. During use, whenit is desired to generate lift in an upward direction, each of the firstand second valves 2684 and 2685 can be moved to the secondconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 43, the third and fourth valves 2686 and2687 can be moved to, or maintained in, the first configuration, and/orthe position of the flap 2810 can be manipulated such that it isdeflected downward relative to the chord length at an angle 2811. Theangle 2811 can be any suitable angle, such as an angle between about 0degrees and about 90 degrees, between about 20 degrees and about 70degrees, and any other angle considered suitable for a particularembodiment. During use, when it is desired to generate lift in adownward direction, each of the third and fourth valves 2686 and 2687can be moved to the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 43, the firstand second valves 2684 and 2685 can be moved to, or maintained in, thefirst configuration, and/or the position of the flap 2810 can bemanipulated such that it is deflected upward relative to the chordlength at an angle 2813 at an angle 2813. The angle 2813 can be anysuitable angle, such as an angle between about 0 degrees and about 90degrees, between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, and any otherangle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

FIG. 44 illustrates a thirteenth example fluid system 2910. The fluidsystem 2910 is similar to the fluid system 2210 illustrated in FIGS. 38and 39 and described above, except as detailed below. The fluid system2910 has a lengthwise axis 2911, a main body 2912, a plurality ofsupports 2916, a plurality of fluid pressurizers 2918, a first valve3084, and a second valve 3085.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 2912 has a leading edge2938, a trailing edge 2940, and defines an injection opening 3002, asuction opening 3004, a channel 3006 that extends from the suctionopening 3004 to the injection opening 3002, and a first recess 3071.

The first recess 3071 is sized and configured to receive and house thesecond valve 3085. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the valves3084, 3085 is moveably attached to the main body 2912 and has a firstsurface, a second surface, a thickness that extends from the firstsurface to the second surface, and a length. Each of the valves 3084,3085 has a first configuration, as shown in FIG. 44 in phantom lines, asecond configuration, as shown in FIG. 44 in solid lines, and ismoveable between these configurations via actuators 3087. In the firstconfiguration, the first valve 3084 is positioned within the channel3006 adjacent the main body 2912 such that fluid can flow through thechannel 3006 out of the injection opening 3002 to an environmentexterior to the channel 3006 (e.g., in the first configuration the firstvalve 3084 is positioned such that it does not seal the injectionopening 3002). In the second configuration, the first valve 3084 ispositioned such that fluid is prevented from flowing through theinjection opening 3002 (e.g., in the second configuration the firstvalve 3084 seals the injection opening 3002). In the firstconfiguration, the second valve 3085 is positioned within the firstrecess 3071 such that fluid can flow through the suction opening 3004and into the channel 3006 (e.g., in the first configuration the secondvalve 3085 is positioned such that it does not seal the suction opening3004). In the second configuration, the second valve 3085 is positionedsuch that fluid is prevented from flowing through the suction opening3004 and into the channel 3006 (e.g., in the second configuration thesecond valve 3085 seals the suction opening 3006).

Each of the actuators 3087 is moveable between an off state and an onstate and comprises the various components necessary to move a valvebetween a first configuration and a second configuration. Each of theactuators 3087 can be operatively connected to any suitable portion ofthe device, system, or component on which the fluid system is attachedto provide power to the actuator (e.g., battery, electric motor) and toprovide a mechanism for moving the actuator between the off state andthe on state (e.g., one or more switches). In the off state, theactuators 3087 position each of the valves 3084, 3085 such that it is inthe first configuration. In the on state, the actuators 3087 positioneach of the valves 3084, 3085 such that it is in the secondconfiguration.

While each of the valves 3084, 3085 and actuators 3087 has beenillustrated as having a particular structural arrangement and as beingpositioned at a particular location on the fluid system, a valve and anactuator can have any suitable structural arrangement and be positionedat any suitable location on a fluid system. Selection of a suitablestructural arrangement and/or position to locate a valve and an actuatorcan be based on various considerations, such as the desired flow arounda fluid system and/or the desired flow through a channel defined througha fluid system. For example, a valve and an actuator included in a fluidsystem can be positioned within a channel, be pivotably attached to amain body, be attached to a main body such that it can be linearlyactuated, or at any other location that achieves the sealing asdescribed herein.

While the fluid system 2910 has been illustrated as including a firstrecess 3071 and valves 3084, 3085, any of the features, elements, and/orstructure illustrated with respect to fluid system 2910 can be includedat multiple locations along a length of a fluid system. For example, avalve, such as valves 3084, 3085 can extend along a majority of the spanof a wing, the entire span of a wing, or along a portion of the span ofa wing. In embodiments in which a valve does not extend along a majorityor the entire length of the span of a wing, or in embodiments in whichdiscrete suction openings, and/or injection openings are defined alongthe span of a wing, a plurality of valves and/or actuators can beincluded in a fluid system to achieve the sealing described herein withrespect to each of the discrete openings.

In the illustrated embodiment, each fluid pressurizer of the pluralityof fluid pressurizers 2918 is disposed within the channel 3006 and is influid communication with the injection opening 3002 and the suctionopening 3004. A first fluid pressurizer 3101 of the plurality of fluidpressurizers 2918 is attached to the main body 2912 and is positionedsuch that the suction port 3024 is directed toward a first portion ofthe channel 3006 that extends from the suction opening 3004 to the firstfluid pressurizer 3101 (e.g., the suction port 3024 is directed towardthe suction opening 3004) and the discharge port 3026 is directed towarda second portion of the channel 3006 that extends from the first fluidpressurizer 3101 to a second fluid pressurizer 3102 of the plurality offluid pressurizers 2918 (e.g., the discharge port 3026 is directedtoward the second fluid pressurizer 3102). The second fluid pressurizer3102 of the plurality of fluid pressurizers 2918 is attached to the mainbody 2912 and is positioned such that the suction port 3024 is directedtoward the second portion of the channel 3006 that extends from thefirst fluid pressurizer 3101 to the second fluid pressurizer 3102 (e.g.,the suction port 3024 is directed toward the first fluid pressurizer3101) and the discharge port 3026 is directed toward a third portion ofthe channel 3006 that extends from the second fluid pressurizer 3102 tothe injection opening 3002 (e.g., the discharge port 3026 is directedtoward the injection opening 3002). In the on state, the plurality offluid pressurizers 3018 draws fluid through the suction opening 3004,through the channel 3006, through the fluid pressurizers, and pushesfluid through the channel 3006 and out of the injection opening 3002.Optionally, one or more ducts, such as those described herein can beincluded in fluid system 2910 and/or the first fluid pressurizer 3101can be ducted to the second fluid pressurizer 3102 (e.g., the dischargeport 3026 of the first fluid pressurizer 3101 can be ducted to thesuction port 3024 of the second fluid pressurizer).

While the example fluid systems and ducts described herein have beenillustrated as being included on a wing of an aircraft that has aconstant chord length with no sweep angle and/or dihedral angle, a fluidsystem and/or duct, such as those described herein can be included inany suitable structure, device, and/or system. Selection of a suitablestructure, device, and/or system to include a fluid system and/or ductcan be based on various considerations, such as the intended use of thestructure, device, and/or system. Examples of structures, devices,and/or systems considered suitable to include a fluid system and/orduct, such as those described herein, include aircraft, unmannedreconnaissance aircrafts, small person aircrafts, commercial airlines,wings of aircrafts, wings of aircrafts that have a varying chord lengthand/or sweep angle, wings of aircraft that are tapered, space shuttles,space exploratory aircrafts, exploratory aircrafts, airplanes,helicopters, rotorcraft rotor blades, vehicles, automobiles, cars,trucks, motorcycles, boats, locomotives, projectiles, turbines, windturbines, blades of wind turbines, gas turbine engines, gas turbineengine compressors and/or fans, pumps, propellers, blades, sails, anystructure, device, and/or system that uses airfoils, land vehicles,water vehicles, air vehicles, any structure, device, and/or system thatis used to generate lift and/or thrust, and any other structure, device,and/or system considered suitable. For example, the fluid systems andducts described herein can be advantageously used for exploratorymissions to other planets, such as flights in the Martian atmosphere,This is considered advantageous at least due to the reduced energyconsumption, enhanced lift, reduced drag, generated thrust, increasedcruise aerodynamic efficiency, enhanced maneuverability and safety, andreduced takeoff/landing distance required for structures, devices, and/or systems that include a fluid system and/or duct, such as thosedescribed herein.

Any of the herein described examples of fluid systems, and any of thefeatures described relative to a particular example of a fluid system,can be included along a portion, or the entirety, of the span of a wing,blade, or other feature of a device, system, component (e.g.,transportation vehicle) in which it is desired to include a fluidsystem. For example, any of the herein described embodiments, such asthe fluid systems and/or ducts, can be combined in any suitable mannerand include any of the features, devices, systems, and/or componentsdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/426,084 by Zha andfiled on Feb. 7, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/255,523 by Zha andfiled on Sep. 2, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. For example, any of the herein described embodiments can omitthe inclusion of one or more ducts.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications and alternatives for the described and illustratedembodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed areintended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid system comprising: a body portion havinga leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, afirst injection opening disposed between the leading edge and the topsurface, a first suction opening disposed between the top surface andthe trailing edge, a second injection opening disposed between theleading edge and the bottom surface, a second suction opening disposedbetween the bottom surface and the trailing edge, and a channelextending from the first injection opening and the second injectionopening to the first suction opening and the second suction opening; anda first set of fluid pressurizers disposed within the channel and on afirst portion of the body portion.
 2. The fluid system of claim 1,further comprising a first valve and a second valve, each of the firstvalve and the second valve moveable between a first configuration inwhich fluid can flow through each of the first injection opening and thefirst suction opening and is prevented from passing through each of thesecond injection opening and the second suction opening, a secondconfiguration in which fluid can flow through each of the secondinjection opening and the second suction opening and is prevented frompassing through each of the first injection opening and the firstsuction opening, and a third configuration in which fluid can flowthrough each of the first injection opening, the first suction opening,the second injection opening, and the second suction opening.
 3. Thefluid system of claim 1, further comprising a first valve moveablebetween a first configuration in which the first valve seals the firstinjection opening and a second configuration in which the first valvedoes not seal the first injection opening; a second valve moveablebetween a first configuration in which the second valve seals the firstsuction opening and a second configuration in which the second valvedoes not seal the first suction opening; a third valve moveable betweena first configuration in which the third valve seals the secondinjection opening and a second configuration in which the third valvedoes not seal the second injection opening; and a fourth valve moveablebetween a first configuration in which the fourth valve seals the secondsuction opening and a second configuration in which the fourth valvedoes not seal the second suction opening.
 4. The fluid system of claim1, wherein the body portion defines a wing of an aircraft.
 5. The fluidsystem of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes a flap.
 6. Thefluid system of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes an elevator.7. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the body portion has an end anda length; and wherein the first portion extends from the end to a pointlocated a fourth of the length from the end.
 8. The fluid system ofclaim 1, further comprising a second body portion having a secondleading edge, a second trailing edge, a third injection opening disposedbetween the second leading edge and the second trailing edge, a thirdsuction opening disposed between the third injection opening and thesecond trailing edge, and a second channel extending from the thirdinjection opening to the third suction opening; and a second set offluid pressurizers disposed within the second channel and on a secondportion of the second body portion.
 9. The fluid system of claim 8,wherein the second body portion defines a wing of an aircraft.
 10. Thefluid system of claim 1, further comprising a propulsion device disposedon the body portion.
 11. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the bodyportion is rotatable between a first position and a second position thatis different than the first position.
 12. The fluid system of claim 1,wherein a fluid pressurizer of the first set of fluid pressurizers has aport; further comprising a duct attached to the port and disposed withinthe first channel, the duct having a first end, a second end, a firstportion, a second portion, and a main body defining a first duct openingat the first end, a second duct opening at the second end, and apassageway extending from the first duct opening to the second ductopening, the first portion of the duct extending from the first endtoward the second end, the second portion of the duct extending from thesecond end toward the first end, the first portion of the duct disposedat an angle relative to the second portion of the duct, the angle beingless than about 130 degrees.
 13. The fluid system of claim 12, whereinthe first duct opening is circular and the second duct opening isrectangular.
 14. The fluid system of claim 1, wherein the body portionhas a plurality of channels extending from the first injection openingand the second injection opening to the first suction opening and thesecond suction opening.
 15. The fluid system of claim 14, wherein afluid pressurizer of the first set of fluid pressurizers is disposedwithin each channel of the plurality of channels.
 16. The fluid systemof claim 1, wherein the body portion has a channel opening, a leadingedge opening, and a passageway, the channel opening in fluidcommunication with the channel and the passageway, the leading edgeopening defined on the leading edge and in fluid communication with thepassageway.
 17. The fluid system of claim 16, wherein the passagewayconverges from the channel opening to the leading edge opening.
 18. Thefluid system of claim 16, further comprising a first valve moveablebetween a first configuration in which the first valve seals the channelopening and a second configuration in which the first valve does notseal the channel opening, and a second valve moveable between a firstconfiguration in which the second valve seals the leading edge openingand a second configuration in which the second valve does not seal theleading edge opening.
 19. A fluid system comprising: a body portionhaving an end, a length, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface,a bottom surface, a first injection opening disposed between the leadingedge and the top surface, a first suction opening disposed between thetop surface and the trailing edge, a second injection opening disposedbetween the leading edge and the bottom surface, a second suctionopening disposed between the bottom surface and the trailing edge, and achannel extending from the first injection opening and the secondinjection opening to the first suction opening and the second suctionopening; a first set of fluid pressurizers disposed within the channeland on a first portion of the body portion, the first portion extendingfrom the end to a point located a fourth of the length from the end, afluid pressurizer of the first set of fluid pressurizers having a port;a first valve moveable between a first configuration in which the firstvalve seals the first injection opening and a second configuration inwhich the first valve does not seal the first injection opening; asecond valve moveable between a first configuration in which the secondvalve seals the first suction opening and a second configuration inwhich the second valve does not seal the first suction opening; a thirdvalve moveable between a first configuration in which the third valveseals the second injection opening and a second configuration in whichthe third valve does not seal the second injection opening; a fourthvalve moveable between a first configuration in which the fourth valveseals the second suction opening and a second configuration in which thefourth valve does not seal the second suction opening; and a ductattached to the port and disposed within the channel, the duct having afirst end, a second end, a first portion, a second portion, and a mainbody defining a first duct opening at the first end, a second ductopening at the second end, and a passageway extending from the firstduct opening to the second duct opening, the first portion of the ductextending from the first end toward the second end, the second portionof the duct extending from the second end toward the first end, thefirst portion of the duct disposed at an angle relative to the secondportion of the duct, the angle being less than about 130 degrees.
 20. Afluid system comprising: a body portion having an end, a length, aleading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, a firstinjection opening disposed between the leading edge and the top surface,a first suction opening disposed between the top surface and thetrailing edge, a second injection opening disposed between the leadingedge and the bottom surface, a second suction opening disposed betweenthe bottom surface and the trailing edge, a channel opening, a leadingedge opening, a passageway, and a channel extending from the firstinjection opening and the second injection opening to the first suctionopening and the second suction opening, the channel opening in fluidcommunication with the channel and the passageway, the leading edgeopening defined on the leading edge and in fluid communication with thepassageway; and a first set of fluid pressurizers disposed within thechannel and on a first portion of the body portion, the first portionextending from the end to a point located a fourth of the length fromthe end.